Horace Iule Turquoise Cross Necklace with Hand-made Chain [SOLD]

The Zuni word for turquoise translates to "Sky Stone," and the six stones adorning this cross are a striking robin's egg blue. Each turquoise stone is meticulously wrapped in serrated-edged silver and soldered to the substantial cross base, which measures 2-¾" nches in height by 2-⅛" inches in width.

The silver cross is carefully stamped with sun rays, acting as a host for the turquoise and elegantly framing the gemstones. A chain of handmade silver links attaches seamlessly to the hook at the top of the cross, with a silver clasp securing the ends. The back of the cross is stamped with H. Iule.

Artist Horace Iule learned silversmithing from his father and eventually became an expert. He was one of the first from Zuni Pueblo to create the Knifewing God in silver. Horace began working as a silversmith in the 1930s after returning from school in Phoenix where he had studied blacksmithing.

Horace Iule (1901-1978), pronounced Ai-ú-le, 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 Pueblo. Horace Iule also taught jewelry making at Zuni Day School, teaching and influencing a whole generation of Zuni smiths. Horace taught his son Wilbur Iule who carries on the tradition.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Horace Iule Turquoise Cross Necklace with Hand-made Chain is from a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: 

- American Indian Jewelry II: A-L 1800 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.

- The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair

- American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Wilbur Iule, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Horace Iule