Nuggets of Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, and deep red Coral, naturally streaked and swirled from mother natures hand, are set in hand made bezels of Sterling Silver. Amazing hand made gingerbread swirls, Silver dots, and delicate fans all arranged on a hand stamped Sterling Silver cuff that is adorned with a bear claw and an intricately hand carved image of a bear. This piece of work is 1-1/2" wide, raised about 3/4", and will fit from about a 6-3/4" to a 7-3/4" wrist. This piece was made in our shop. The riches of the earth, the power and purity of precious metal and gemstones, combined in a work of wearable art. You will draw on its qualities, as it becomes a part of you. Please measure your wrist and let us know your exact wrist size in the 'customer notes box' as you check out so we can make sure that this bracelet is perfect for you.

The Bear is a potent source of strength for many Native Americans. Admired for their strength, independence, and self reliance, Bear's spirits were often invoked before entering battle. Warriors sometimes painted their faces with marks resembling bear claw scratches and carried double-edged knives with handles carved from the jawbones of bears as good luck charms. It was believed that bear power could also cure illness. Shamans or medicine men from many different groups frequently dressed as bears when working to heal the sick. Just as honoring the bear spirit could bring blessings to people, provoking the spirit might bring them harm. For that reason, some tribes, most notably the Apache, forbade their hunters to kill a bear, or even to touch the carcass of one found dead in the woods.

Native Americans have always felt a special connection to nature. The belief that all things have a spirit is an integral part of their Religions. The Zuni believe that animals are more like the Zuni deities than is man. They also believe that animals have more power than man and that these powers, both practical and spiritual, reside in their totems. Navajos comprise the largest tribe in the joined states, living on the largest reservation, which is situated in northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona. A feeling of tribal strength is expressed in their own name, The Navajo Nation.