Thunderbird Necklace

I am in love with this little Thunderbird necklace!  I pulled in tiny beads of onyx, turquoise, carnelian & freshwater pearl to accent the onyx, turquoise, coral and mother of pearl inlay in the bird, and it is so fun!  

The Thunderbird is a widespread figure in Native American mythology in the United States and Canada. Described as a supernatural being, the enormous bird symbolized power and strength that protected humans from evil spirits.  Various tribes have different oral traditions about the magical Thunderbird, which they both highly respected and feared.  

Sterling silver components, gemstone beads on handcrafted sterling links, vintage sterling Zuni Thunderbird.  Approximately 16" long, the pendant hangs down about 1-3/4".