RARE MAID OF THE MIST NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN LETTER OPENER 8. 35 Sterling Silver
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:43460910 | Age: 1900-1940 |
| Brand: unknown | Composition: Sterling Silver |
unknown makers mark and the 835 mark slightly lower silver content than sterling at 925. measures about 6 1/2" and weighs about 15 gramsThe Maid of the Mist was originally a Haudenosaunee myth and predated European colonization of America.In the ancient myth, a young widow, in a suicidal bereavement, got into her canoe and entered the waters above the falls. At first she felt peace, but when she heard the roar of the falls, her hands began to tremble, as she realized there would be phy...sical pain with death.She prayed to Heno, the God of Thunder, said to inhabit the waters below the falls, that her death should be swift and her courage would not fail her at the point of death.As the canoe entered the rapids, she threw away her paddle, and watched the falls growing near, and the sky reached down to touch the edge of the water as it plunged into the cataract. She gripped the sides of her canoe as the current heaved it, moving her to and fro, swiftly to her end.But Heno, having heard her prayers, caught the maiden in his arms, just as she was going over the crest, and carried her to his home beneath the waters, where he and his sons ministered to her, and ultimately she married the Thunder god's younger son.In time, a son was born to the couple, and the lad followed his grandfather everywhere, learning what it was to be the God of Thunder and they lived happily for a time. there is more to the story this is clearly the maid of the mist in her canoe heading out into the river with the water lapping against the side of the canoe it is double sided and in excellent condition quite rare to find anything in silver for this topic. please take note the name rosemarie is inscribed on the backit is quite rare for a Niagara Falls collector, native American Indian, letter opener , silver or art collectorshipping is free for this item I only ship to the USA. I do on occasion ship to europe contact me firstplease review the photos and ask questions before bidding
