1970's Zuni Belt Buckle-Zuni 189

1970's vintage belt buckle. Crafted by a Zuni artesian. Set in solid sterling silver with genuine turquoise, coral, jet, and white mother of pearl. The inlayed figure is that of the Thunderbird. The raw craftsmanship of the buckle is what makes this piece special. Measuring 3" x 2". The belt loop opening is 1" in width. A custom leather belt comes with the buckle. Please specify your belt size when ordering. ZUNI HANDCRAFTED BUCKLE WITH INLAY THUNDERBIRD 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,