Antler Turtle With Frog by Robert Michael Weahkee

A lovely necklace by Robert Michael Weahkee with an antler turquoise pendant with a frog carved in low relief on top of its shell. Carved from an antler burr; Robert has left the edge that is characteristic to this part of the horn then he burnished it. It was a surprise when we noticed that there were two turquoise eyes peaking out from under the burr - we then noticed that this is a turtle. The face is carved in a very creamy portion of the horn so the eyes really pop. The frog is carved in low relief with turquoise inlaid eyes and burnished body. Robert then inlaid four green turquoise and three lapis dots on the top of its back to symbolize rain we have been told. The necklace portion is composed of melon shell heishi with three turquoise beads interspersed between them on each side of the pendant. Indigenous people recognize the turtle as the symbol of Mother Earth. The turtle is regarded as a skillful navigator through life's difficulties. The Zuni believe the frog is a reminder that we are all the same - development wise - we begin as tiny fishlike creatures in the womb then we evolve from swimmers to creatures of the land. The frogs sings its song reminding us of our watery beginning. Artist: Robert Michael Weahkee (signed) Size: Frog:1-7/8 in. wide x 2 in. tall x 1/2 in. deep, Diameter of Necklace: 24-1/2 In. #63172