Kewa Silver and Turquoise Arrow Shaped Earrings [SOLD]

This pair of silver and turquoise earrings is stamped with initials JLC, the mark of Joseph and LeJeune Chavez, a husband-and-wife team from Kewa Pueblo. Each earring is shaped in the general appearance of an arrowhead. The silver section has a cutout design framed in a narrow silver strip. A single beautiful blue turquoise gemstone is mounted over the pierced ear silver post.

Joseph Diego Chavez was born in 1959 and LeJeune in 1961, he of Kewa tribe affiliation and she of Kewa and Seminole tribal affiliation. Joseph began developing his craft in the mid-1960s while polishing his father's silverwork. His design style has evolved from the traditional Mimbres patterns to what he calls "pueblo geometric" designs of animal and water motifs. He learned from both his grandmothers the traditional pottery designs that he incorporates into his jewelry.

LeJeune Chavez combines both of her tribal cultures using ancient pueblo designs and natural stones and shells. She and Joseph collaborate on jewelry creations.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: these Kewa Silver and Turquoise Arrow Shaped Earrings are from a client of Adobe Gallery who purchased them directly from the artists around 1996.

Reference: American Indian Jewelry II: A-L 1,800 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, KEWA, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Joseph and LeJeune Chavez