Turquoise Horsehead ring

I did a play on B’way between 1975-77 called “Equus”. I played a horse. An artist friend of mine gave this horse head ring and I’ve always wondered about it’s origins. It has been repaired the turquoise mane was shattered. I got the ring in this condition, but still an amazing piece. Can anyone tell me anything.

The ring is by Johnny Bluejay hence the bird signature. Johnny is Hopi and well known for his carved horses with elaborate manes.

Thank you so much. This gives me much info and really makes the ring come alive for me. How it ended up in NYC is still a mystery but that just adds to it’s mystique.
Thanks again, David Combs