Frank Patania Sr attr. Thunderbird Shop sterling silver and turquoise collar necklace, 30s-40s with graduated double swirls tipped in turquoise cabochons in shades of dark green to light blue, separated by sterling silver beads, suspended from a sterling wire. Provenance: Owned by LeeAnna Shiva, wife of artist Ramon Shiva who was active in Chicago and then Santa Fe. From the Patania website: The legacy left by Frank Patania, Sr. (American, 1899-1964) came from the integration of two distinctly different traditions-one European, and the other Native American. On the one hand, Frank Sr. drew from a long history of Italian creative spirit, combining technical expertise and artistic imagination. He instilled in his family the Italian commitment to fine craftsmanship, as well as the Italian custom of family corporate bonding. His inspiration was multi-faceted; he began to work in a new medium-silver and turquoise-as well as in increased scale, and using new techniques. The successful marriage of these two disparate traditions has become the foundation upon which each generation has maintained the tradition of excellence in craftsmanship and design that has come to be known as the "Patania Thunderbird" style. As time went on, and the reputation of the "Patania Thunderbird" style grew, patrons became abundant-notably Santa Fe locals Mable Dodge and Georgia O'Keeffe. As a result, Frank Sr. found it necessary to hire help. He often employed Native American craftsmen to help with the demand in rising production needs from tourism as well as a successful mail order business. Some of the Native Americans who have been connected with the Thunderbird Shop both in Santa Fe and Tucson include: Jimmie Herald Sr., Charlie Begay, Daniel Enos Jr., and Julian Lovato. 16"L, 3"drop