Navajo Bear Paw Earrings - Post

Navajo jeweler, Ervin Begay, made these shiny sterling silver post earrings.  The inner shadowbox has been oxidized to give it a black appearance which makes the bear claws stand out.  Turquoise is set in the paw with a hand-stamped sun rays above. More about bears below.

Size: 1" H x .75" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.