"Bird Man" Three-Strand Coral Necklace | Tufa Cast Silver Amulet with Purple Spiny Oyster Shell | 27", 2024
 
Inspired by ancient petroglyphs carved by our ancestors, this piece celebrates the universal dream of flight through the Birdman Kachina, “Kwahu.” The design honors the ceremonial spring dance that calls rain for crops, while the eagle serves as messenger between worlds, carrying prayers to the sun, sky, and spirits.
 
Created using the traditional tufa stone casting technique, the image is hand-carved into stone before repurposed silver is poured into the mold. This piece comes with the original tufa stone mold, ensuring the rarity of this piece and limited addition design.
 
Purple spiny coral, a material treasured in Native American jewelry since prehistoric times, completes this sacred amulet.
 
This piece is hand made by Ernie Northrup, the teacher of the Hopi Apprenticeship program.