Solid Sterling Silver Turquoise Navajo Thunderbird Eagle Pendant

$151.14

Shipping to United States: Free

Solid sterling silver Navajo inspired Turquoise Thunderbird handmade pendant.

I love the imagery of native American culture, especially animal symbolism. This piece is inspired by the Thunderbird, hand stamped sun details really set the design off.

Dimensions of pendant:
Width 25mm (1")
Height 1.6" (38mm)
16,18,20" chains

Please check out my other designs and vintage pieces here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YouGotTheSilverUK

Click on customise for any custom queries or bespoke pieces.

Thunderbird Info:-

The meaning of the Thunderbird as a Native American symbol varies according to the tribe (geographic location). The prime people of North America who held a vision of glory and power concerning this Spirit Bird.

Almost universally, the Thunderbird as a Native American symbol conveys concepts such as:-

Power
Provision
Expansiveness
Transformation
Divine Dominion
Indomitable Spirit
Unquestioned Authority
Messages from the Otherworlds

There are several variations in Native traditions about the Thunderbird.

Some tribes view the Thunderbird as an omen of war. When quaking peals of thunder rattle the heavens, it's a sign the spirits are warring in the skies. This was also a foretelling of victory for tribal wars fought on the ground - particularly when ritual ceremonies and dances were reverently adhered to.

When the cry of the Thunderbird was heard (in the form of thunder in the skies) war huts were constructed to begin ceremonial processions. These huts were always made with the wood of the cedar tree, sacred to the Thunderbird. War dances by the Iroquois and Shawnee must be performed to exact precision in order to appease the rousted Thunderbird and insure victory in battle.

Tobacco (also sacred to the Thunderbird) would be smoked in intricate ceremonial order. The effects of the smoke would lift Native souls to the heavens where braves would encounter the Thunderbird in spirit-journeying; further bolstering the warrior's heart and insuring triumph against foe.

Other, more peace-keeping tribes viewed the Thunderbird as supreme Nature Spirit and a solar animal. It's eyes were said to be made from the sun, and upon waking in the morning, the Thunderbird issued the dawning day. Alternatively when Thunderbird retired at night, its sleepily closing eyes marked the solar dusk.

Another Native tale indicates lightning jetting out of the eyes of the Thunderbird when angered (during storms), and deafening cracks of thunder were produced when it flapped its mighty wings.

As a Native American symbol of creation, the Thunderbird marks the separation between the heavens and the earth. Moreover, in Northwestern tribes the Thunderbird is known as the Skyamsen, and is the dominating force of all natural activity.

In this perspective, the Thunderbird is the Creator, Destroyer and Controller of Nature and must be honored and appeased at all cost. This is where we see a connection to rain as the Thunderbird is the bringer of life-giving waters (so agriculture may thrive and provide to the tribe). Countless ceremonies are conducted in honor of the great rain-bringer as a way to insure continued food supply.

Perhaps the most breath-taking specimen of the Thunderbird symbol is atop traditional Totem Poles of the Pacific Northwest Coast (Alaska, Oregon and Washington in the USA and the NW coast of Canada known as the British Columbian province). The more familiar native Nations of this region include: Tlingit and Haida.

In the sacred circles of wisdom among these NW coastal tribes, the Thunderbird perches regally atom Totem Poles to denote ultimate status - an ascended emblem of power and supreme chief among the Native pantheon of natural spirit energies.

Interestingly, Totem Poles are traditionally made from the cedar tree, and the cedar is sacred to the Thunderbird.

Shipping from United Kingdom

Processing time

5-7 business days

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns and exchanges

Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery

I don't accept cancellations

But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

The following items can't be returned or exchanged

Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:

  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Perishable products (like food or flowers)
  • Digital downloads
  • Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
  • Items on sale

Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Custom and personalised orders

I accept custom requests and personalised options where available.

Bespoke customs designs are agreed before payment. Custom items are non refundable.

Sizing details

I make all my handmade rings, bracelets and pendants to the size requested at checkout. For vintage items, especially bracelets and bangle cuffs please check all measurements in the listing description. Checking sizes against your own jewellery is a good way also to confirm the fit. Please get in contact if you need any help with sizing.

Care instructions

I have a blog on my website (below) on how to care for jewellery. I also supply a free polishing cloth for most orders.

https://yougotthesilveruk.patternbyetsy.com/post/159974548155/a-few-tips-and-info-on-how-to-clean

Gift wrapping and packaging

All items come boxed with a YGTS logo ready to gift. Headed paperwork supplied with no cost of purchase info on the invoice.

Wholesale availability

I currently don't offer wholesale quantity as my handmade items are carefully priced. But I will consider requests.

Express Shipping

I offer free worldwide shipping. If an Express service is required, usually 3-5 days, I can create an invoice to cover this (at cost) with your purchase. Please contact me before purchase to arrange it.

Shipping Information

I process and ship vintage and already manufactured items in 1-3 working days. Handmade items, made to a specific size are shipped within 5 to 7 working days. (Weekends excluded)

International postage usually takes 5-7 days to arrive in your country from dispatch, then it's down to customs processing in the buyers country. I supply tracking numbers and timescale info via email for all orders.

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