Native American Zuni StyleThunderbird Clay Pendant Necklace with Handmade Beads

Handmade in the spiritual heart of New Mexico!

The Southwestern Thunderbird legend is derived from the common belief that the creature creates storms and the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wind. Lightning was believed to flash from its eyes or beak. The Sioux Indian name for the Thunderbird is is Wakya which translates as wakha, meaning “sacred” and kiya, meaning “winged”. The Thunderbird was believed to live in nests of stone on the tops of high mountains which were constantly shrouded in clouds. The mortal enemy of Thunderbird was the Great Serpent who lived below the waters.The lightning bolts of the Thunderbird were used to try and tame him.

This piece was hand-crafted with white polymer clay and special hand-blended pigments fired into the clay — not painted on! I was inspired by the bird petroglyphs I often see while exploring the Petroglyph National Monument near my humble little adobe home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Pendant Necklace comes with a generously long (approx. 27″) natural waxed black colored cord embellished with handmade indigenous-style faux turquoise and Navajo white toned clay beads.

Size is approx. 1.25 inches wide by 2 inches tall.

Each piece is individually made and no two are ever exactly the same. I strive for consistency on each piece but slight variations in size, shape, and color are inevitable but not by much. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!

*Not created by Native Americans.

Thanks for Shopping!