In Zuni, snakes are revered for their ability to 'travel between worlds' residing both underground on terra firma. Regardless of your personal feelings about them, they do a service in their world keeping rodents and other reptile populations in check. Personally, I find them kind of fascinating .. from a distance!
One of my favorite "snake in the road" experiences occurred in the Zuni Mountains. Dave and I were out there for a buying trip and had taken the day off to explore a bit. Driving in the beautiful Zuni mountains (outside the reservation) we came upon a green rattlesnake in the road. He was small, olive colored and absolutely beautiful. He was also lumpy .. mice for lunch? We admired him, took his picture and left him to his kingdom.
Vivella Cheama has carved this beautiful coiled rattlesnake from a vividly colored piece of turquoise. With nicely placed matrix and etched details, this little guy will help you move between all your worlds. (We all wear so many hats these days.) He has jet inlaid eyes and is initialed on his chin.
If you would like to read more about the Rattlesnake's characteristics and attributes click here. And click here to hear "Rattlesnake" in Shiwi, the language of Zuni.