Hand carved tiny quetzal bird necklace. The quetzal is a rare paradisiac colorful bird of Mesoamerica. In the worldview of the Mayan and Aztec cultures, the quetzal occupied a very important place. This beautifully plumaged bird symbolized the feathered serpent, the great god Quetzalcóatl or Kukulkán, who was in charge of protecting heaven and earth. With its serpent form, but crowned with quetzal feathers, Quetzalcóatl was the god of the air. He's a deity that appears repeatedly as a symbol in the pyramids and representations of both cultures. Today the quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, and their national currency has been named after it. - Hand carved charm. - Solid yellow bronze also called jeweler gold bronze charm. - 1/2" charm. - Signed in the back by artist. - 14k gold filled chain. - Gold filled has 100 times more gold than plated. Does not rub off. - Nickel free.