Native American Thunderbird Friendship Pitcher

     This is a tourist souvenir small pitcher made by Native American in the northwest part of the United States. (I called it a pitcher for the main reason that is what it what look like, however it is too small to be used as a pitcher or as a vase) It was made using a three-piece mold. Each side of the pitcher was press into a mold and the handle was formed in a separate mold. Then everything was put together to form the little pitcher. It was hand painted. Here is the interesting part of this little pitcher. What we have in red on both side of this item is what the Native American called the “Thunderbird” which in Native American mythology the Thunderbird is described as a supernatural being. The enormous bird was a symbol of power and strength that protected humans from evil spirits. Above the Thunderbird is two cross arrows which again in Native American mythology is the symbol of friendship and beside the cross arrows is what looks like bear claws which again in the Native American mythology is the symbol of spiritual and physical power and courage. As for the rope handle and the diamond with the red square in the middle both have a meaning but I was able to determine what it was. Native American would use symbol like this in their craftwork throughout the centuries. It is in excellent condition with no chip, cracks, or damage marks on it. No makers marks made around 1950’s.