This is a sterling silver brooch artisan crafted in Peru. It is an alluring depiction of an Quetzal. The Quetzal was crafted with perfect ancient Mayan artistry. It even has a Garnet eye.
The brooch is in beautiful vintage condition, measures 1.75” and has a working clasp.
It has a most exotic look and would buying pair well with vintage Mexican designs and with southwestern silver.
About the Quetzal:
A long-tailed, green and blue member of the trogon family, the quetzal lives in cloud forests of South America.
Its iridescent green tail feathers are symbols for spring plant growth, were venerated by the ancient Maya, who viewed the quetzal as the “god of the air” and as a symbol of goodness and light.
The quetzal was incredibly important to the Maya. The bird represents liberty, and is said to die of sadness if it is caged. For this reason the Mayans would pluck a few of its highly prized feathers before setting it free.
The quetzal is also one of the spirit guides, or nahual, of the Maya. It is said that warrior prince Tecún Umán, the last ruler of the Quiche Maya during the Spanish conquest, had one of the birds as his spirit guide. Legend has it that when he died, the bird swooped down and landed on his bloody body, leaving it with distinctive red feathers on its chest.
Please review the photos carefully and email with any questions you may have prior to making a purchase.
Enjoy.
Product code: Peruvian buying Sterling Quetzal with Garnet Accent- (Mayan Bird Symbolism-“) 1.75”