Dragon claw pendant

The dragon is perhaps the most famous of all mythical creatures. It can be found in mythologies all over the world, where it personifies dynamics such as the mysteries of the universe, chaos, life and destruction.

In the western world, especially under the influence of christianity, the dragon often symbolizes pure evil. Who doesn't know the stories about innocent young women being held captive by such a terrifying beast which can only be defeated by a brave, pure-hearted young knight?

In the Eastern world however, the dragon symbolizes mostly very positive dynamics. As a creature of all elements (water, fire, earth, air and wood), it is believed that the dragon's breath generates the Qi energy, the all-encompassing life force. The dragon represents masculine, active, yang force, the power of creation and transformation, fertility and prosperity. The dragon is one of the Four Auspicious Beasts, the great deities of the cardinal directions. In that setting, the Azure Dragon (Seiryuu) is the guardian of the east.

In Asian territories, some of the first surviving images of dragons date back to the Hunshan culture (4700-2900 BC), and all through the following Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties the image spread further throughout Asia.

The word dragon is derived from the Greek 'drakonos', which means 'serpent' or 'snake'. Dragons are often depicted as giant snake-like creatures, but then with two, four or more legs and often wings, razorsharp teeth and claws and more impressive features. 

In the cosmology of traditional shamanism, six dragons of sacred colors live in the Black Sky. They are seen as the primary creative forces, that created the whole universe with their breath; The white dragon is considered the creator of the nine heavens, enclosing all the knowledge that exists in the universe there. Blue created the sky and the gods. Green is responsible for nature, multiplied the number of people and strengthened families. Red created the core of the earth and breathed love in all its manifestations into the souls of people. Yellow distributed wealth among people. Black united a set of forces and intentions, becoming a symbol of all dragons. And together, with their simultaneous breath they created Tengri, supreme deity of the Upper World.

These very nicely made pendants show one of the dragon's most impressive features; his claws. A dragon's claw is seen as a symbol of blessing and protection.

These bronze pendants come to us via our friends at Shaman Bazar. They measure approximately 56 millimeters (measured in a straight, vertical line next to the pendant. And measured including the eyelet). Weight; approximately 18 grams.

Sold per piece.