Joe Beeler Bronze Medallion for Eddie Basha, 1993 Pawnee Claw Necklace RARE!

Description

For sale is a beautiful original Joe Beeler Bronze Medallion for Eddie Basha, made in 1993 with a Pawnee Native American wearing a bear claw necklace that is in excellent condition. The time has come for me to sell this ultra rare gift from Eddie Basha. I have only ever seen one other medallion like this one and it was in the Eddie Bash Collection Museum in Chandler Arizona. If you go to the website you can see a picture of it under the Joe Beeler section. The medallion measures 3 1/3” inches. Please take a look at the pictures of the actual item you will receive and ask any questions that you may have.
From the Eddie Basha Collection website about this medallion.
Medallion
Artist: Joe Beeler, CA Founding Member (1931-2006)
Description: Bronze (1993) | Dimensions: 3 ½” Diameter
“Similar to the status symbolism of buffalo horn and eagle feather bonnets, bear claw necklaces were worn by distinguished Pawnee, Otoe, and Omaha men as emblems of their accomplishments, honors, and roles as leaders. Pawnee men, in particular, specialized in creating bear claw necklaces made from the long, broad claws of grizzly bears that once roamed the Central and Eastern Plains and guided the wearer during warfare, treaty negotiations, and other important events.
The Pawnee, like other Plains Indian people, held grizzly bears in high esteem because of their strength, power, and fighting abilities—qualities universally admired by Native warriors. Before going into battle, Pawnee warriors sought the sacred protection of animal spirits such as wolves, eagles, mountain lions, or bears—each with their own unique powers. According to Pawnee cosmology, there are four great powers represented by the stars and constellation of the sky: wolf, mountain lion, wildcat (bobcat), and bear. Pawnee men believed that, in order to find success as warriors, they required the defining characteristics of these four animals: the stealth and craftiness of the wolf, the magnetic or drawing power of the mountain lion, the cunning of the cat, and the strength of the bear. In addition to its great strength, Pawnee warriors admired the bear for its ferocity and invulnerability. Through visions, spiritual teachings, and ceremonies, men could learn about and eventually possess the special powers of the bear, including the ability to heal wounds and cure sickness. Men believed that wearing the bear claw necklaces protected them from being hit by arrows and bullets in battle.”
Source: Buffalo Bill Center of the West (March 19, 2014 by Emma Hansen)