Specially-priced: Sterling Silver Cast Knife Wing Pin [SOLD]

SPECIAL PRICE OFFER: The owner has authorized a price reduction of 25% from the original price of $250 to the current price of $190.

Horace Iule was a third generation silversmith. His grandfather, a man known as Sneezing Man, was identified by John Adair in his book “Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths” as one of the first silversmiths at Zuni. Horace began working as a silversmith in the 1930s after returning from school in Phoenix where he had studied blacksmithing. He learned silversmithing from his father and eventually became an expert of the casting method. He was one of the first Zunis to create the Knifewing god in silver. Horace Iule also taught jewelry making at Zuni Day School, teaching and influencing a whole generation of Zuni smiths.

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 Knife Wing pin is cast silver and is typical of the work of Horace Iule. It is not signed but is identifiable as his work. It is fitted with a safety lock bar.