1123 - Silver bangle with turquoise and bear claw, USA, 20th century.

Silver bangle with turquoise and bear claw, USA, 20th century. Intricately crafted Native American bangle in the Navajo/Southwestern tradition, made of silver. Large oval front face featuring a three-dimensional composition of three turquoise cabochons and a centrally set bear claw. The turquoises are set in serrated bezel settings; the upper stone displays a distinct greenish-brown matrix pattern. American Southwestern craftsmanship, likely Navajo (Diné), second half of the 20th century. The combination of a bear claw and turquoise is characteristic of Native American jewelry from this period; the claw was used as a striking decorative and symbolic element. Weight: 48.4 grams