1960's Thunderbird cuff bracelet

UNIQUE 1960'S THUNDERBIRD CUFF BRACELET

Vintage bracelet CIRCA 1960's. Handcrafted by a Zuni artist as set in solid sterling silver. Unique in its design, with a heavy silver wire frame and carved silver elements. The artist has used turquoise, coral, white mother of pearl and pin shell. Measuring 2" in width and tapering down to 3/8", this is a comfortable bracelet. 

 Story of the image: The Thunderbird is a mythical creature of huge importance to the Native Americans of both the United States and Canada. An enormous bird, he symbolized great power, strength, and protection for humans against evil spirits. Able to transform into human form by removing his head like a mask and his feathers like a cape, he was considered the most powerful of all Spirits in Native American culture. Beneath his wings were lightning snakes, and these he wielded as weapons or tools as required. Lightning shot from Thunderbird’s eyes and the flapping of his wings sounded like thunder. The Thunderbirds brought storms and rain – these could be good when the rain was needed or bad when floods, fires, and destructive winds were the result. Said to reside in the clouds above the highest mountains,