Native American Symbolism...

Native American Style Men's Necklace with feather Charms and Turquoise Stones..

I thought it about time to give you a sneak preview of my Autumn range for Orlando Menswear. I am very inspired by Native American design and this collection has quite a few pieces that particularly reference Native American culture.
The Native American feather was given as a sign of respect and honor. Native Americans who had a personal accomplishment or achieved something great for the tribe was often given feathers by chiefs or elders as a symbol of strength. The Native American with the most feathers in his headdress is usually the chief.
One must complete a brave deed in order to be given one of these feathers. For example, coming back from battle after conquering the enemy or returning from a hunt with food for the tribe would most likely earn a Native American feather. The feather could only be worn once the Indian has retold their story of bravery in front of an assembled tribal court.
In this necklace I have combined the feathers with Turquoise stones. Turquoise is commonly referred to by Native American  as the Sky Stone evoking the sky-blue shade of the stone most commonly found. I liked the connection between Bird and Sky.
Native Americans believe that the earth is alive and that all things, no matter how small or apparently inanimate, are precious. To the Native Americans, turquoise is life. There are stones medicine men keep in their sacred bundles because they possess powers of healing. Stones and crystals have unique attributed that support and heal us. Turquoise, especially, is known for its positive healing energy, an aid in mental functions, communications and expression and as a protector. If you’re wearing a turquoise ring and you look down and see a crack in your stone, the Native Americans would say “the stone took it”, meaning the stone took the blow that you would have received.

Native American Style Men's Necklace with feather Charms and Turquoise Stones..

Sky Horse...Native American style men's necklace

The horse was one of the biggest contributors in the progress of Native American civilization. It was taken as a symbol of honor and reverence and treated with great respect.The horse was a symbol of grace, beauty and nobility.... As well as of strength, power and freedom...

Sky Horse...Native American style men's necklace

The Native Americans also attributed the horse with the four elements of earth, air, fire and water. In some tribes the horse was prominently featured on war art. This was because the horse fought bravely alongside the Native warriors in the battle field. Special war shirts for example were often adorned with horse hair of different colors to honor the contribution of.. and the relationship between man and horse.
The horse is a powerful being, that combined the power of the earth with the wisdoms of the spiritual world for the Native Americans. The honored animal was proudly featured on many different works of art. 
I have chosen to complement the horse in this necklace with Turquoise stone, the symbol of sky. Along with the traditionally used silver... Silver has a transcendant, spiritual quality which is believed to be magical.... Which is why I chose to call this piece...Sky Horse....