Robert and Bernice Leekya Zuni Turquoise and Silver Watch Band [SOLD]

This wonderful piece has been crafted by Zuni husband and wife team Robert and Bernice Leekya.  A substantial piece of silver has been shaped to form to the wrist and hold a watch.  Tapered at the watch support, the edges gracefully curve as they expand and have been stylishly scalloped.  

In form with some of the artist's favorite themes three appealing pieces of turquoise have been selected for each side and are held with serrated bezels.  The stones descend in size from the top down around the wrist, mirroring the tapering band. 

Silver appliqué spheres ornament around the turquoise, two at a time.  On the top, a set of silver appliqué leaf-like pieces fan outward and act as a shield for the future inserted watch of choice. These elements offer protection to the watch.

Robert (1934-) and Bernice (ca.1920-) Leekya were from Zuni Pueblo and had been making jewelry since 1953.  Robert is the son of famous fetish carver Leekya Deyuse and learned his craft from his father as a young man.  Husband and wife are known for their bold turquoise nugget jewelry and channel inlay. In 1953, Robert began working in the nugget style.  He and Dan Simplicio were among the first to make nugget jewelry

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Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Robert and Bernice Leekya Zuni Turquoise and Silver Watch Band is from an estate in eastern Washington.