No hallmark.No idea of metal. I found this metal pendant in the 70’s. I put it on this turquoise necklace. I have no idea about either one. No marks . I’ve look at different native American birds symbols and can’t find any out.
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The pendant looks like a stylized Peyote bird. Have you tested the metal? There is only a small amount of the heishi showing but it appears to be legitimate Santo Domingo (Kewa).
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I agree with Islandmomma on the heishi. The precision of fit between the beads is old-school - REALLY old school.
However, I think the birs is a stylized eagle mostly because peyote birds are not often depicted fully displayed (wings extended completely open to the sides). They are usually depicted as open but only partially so that you see the bend in the wings. You don’t see that here.
As to the metal, if my guess as to the age of the piece is accurate, it is very likely to be silver but not sterling. Sterling is 92.5% pure silver usually mixed with copper to make a stronger alloy. Old pawn silver was usually a lesser percentage of silver mixed with nickel and copper. There was no precise ‘formula’ and each silversmith had their own recipe. This one looks like a silver/nickel mix. I agree that you should have it tested to be sure.
Either way, it is a beautiful, traditional piece very representative of early period old pawn.
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It makes me smile at how we all see & interpret things differently. I see a Thunderbird pendant.
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I agree with @Patina; I see a thunderbird. It looks like several I have. My peyote bird does look different.
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I agree, the heishi is legit and gorgeous. Bird is more T-bird like. the pendant looks to be added at a later time, and is kinda giving homemade/boyscout/craft/hippie/primitive rather than Native. I’d take it off the heishi so the bail doesn’t damage the center heishi, which is where I would place the greater value.
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