Anybody recognize this imagery?

[LittleClarkie]

In amongst my dad's stuff (he was a packrat) I found a ring with a skull and owl on the front, and what looks like a phoenix holding a snake on each side. Considering how old I think it is, it looks remarkably like something a heavy metal dude would wear.

Dad was in the Navy, and visited places like Jamaica and Haiti, as well as China and Japan and such.

I look at the ring sometimes and think "Voodoo Daddy". Any insight into where he may have gotten the thing would be appreciated.

[gordianot]

1. He wouldn't have joined a certain fraternity at Yale?

If not I bet they would really like it.

When you find out what it is it is probably worth a lot of money. Visit you local Art Gallery or email the Antiques Roadshow guys.

[scarlet_owl]

2. I don't recognize it, but it's cool.

[kodi]

3. your father has the skull of my ex-wife? how strange is that?

i worshipped the quicksand that woman walked on.

[Sequoia]

4. Bohemian Club stuff

They are into the Owl and of course there's the skull and bones society frat boys (Okay, it's from overseas, sigh)

[MichiganVote]

5. Barbara Bush without her mask

[MadHound]

6. Seriously, I think that you're onto something with the voodoo

Skulls are prominent imagery amongst voodoo practictioners, owls, less so but still present. Snakes are also involved with voodoo, though are you certain it is a phoenix? Could it be something else, like say a rooster?

If you've got a museum nearby, take the stuff in, I'm sure they would be happy to help.

[democracyindanger]

7. Comes free with a Scorpion Bowl at Trader Vic's.