This large Navajo (Dine’) thunderbird pin has a circle in the center made by using “repouosse”, a difficult silver making technique. It has intricate designs of arrrows, whirling logs, and half-crescents that are commonly found on Fred Harvey jewelry.

 

The Navajo think of the thunderbird as representing power, balance of nature, and ability to control the weather. Given the arid environment of the Southwest, a figure who represents power to provide rain is a figure likely to be held in great esteem.

 

Fred Harvey opened a chain of restaurants and hotels and shops along the railroad lines that transversed the West. Passengers would get off the train and purchase souvenirs at these locations. Harvey founded the company in 1876 and he left a vibrant enterprise that lasted well into the 1960s.

 

Freed Harvey sold curious to the passengers who disembarked at various stops. He encouraged the Navajo (Dine’) to use certain traditional designs that he felt would sell well, including arrows, whirling logs, and geometric designs, all of which are present in this wonderful pin.