Jack & Mary Tom Navajo Sterling Silver Spirit Bear Necklace
This is an incredible example of Navajo craftsmanship. The medicine bear is an important motif in Navajo culture. What makes this more incredible is that it is the collaboration of Jack and Mary Tom, the husband wife duo. The beads are in her iconic style. The bear is hollow and lightweight but definitely holds a spiritual weight! Beads and bear are on a metal strand necklace. Hook closure.
In great condition. We left the piece with it's natural patina for an aesthetic effect. Doris prefers the tarnish vs. the shine. Would make an amazing gift for those who are connected with animal spirits!
"Jack Tom was born of the Salt Clan and for the Bitter Water Clan in 1948 at Smoke Signal in Keams Canyon, Arizona on the Navajo reservation. He began his jewelry career in 1971 and continues to produce beautiful work with his distinctive blend of 14k gold and silver or silver with stones. It was also the year Mary Begay and Jack Tom were married. Mary started making jewelry by fabricating the beads that display Jack’s pendants. Mary assisted in the creation process as well which aided in completing a joint design style linking their rich heritage and the 21st Century."