Zuni Pueblo Knifewing Inlay Pin and Pendant [SOLD]

Zuni multicolor inlay is an extremely popular expression of Zuni art. The rainbow of colors used is derived from specially cut pieces of turquoise, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl. Each of these represents a cardinal direction—turquoise representing west, coral (red) representing south, Mother-of-pearl (white) representing east, and jet (black) representing the nadir.

Each stone is cut and meticulously set in mosaic style, touching stone-to-stone, set within the level of the silver, not surrounded by bezels.

The Zuni Knife Wing god is a sky being with a human-bird form. He wears a terraced cap which represents his dwelling place among the clouds. He has feathered wings and tail.

This pen/pendant dates to circa 1960s and came from the inventory of The Maisel Company of Albuquerque.