Silver and Mother of Pearl Dangle Earrings [SOLD]

Zuni artists have been cutting and shaping stone for over a thousand years. When they were introduced to working with silver in the late 19th century, a new level of creativity was achieved. These sterling silver and mother of pearl earrings are a perfect example of this melding of old stone work with modern silver settings.

The Popovi Da Studio of Indian Arts at San Ildefonso Pueblo opened in 1948. Maria Martinez’s son, Popovi Da, and his wife Anita sold San Ildefonso pottery as well as items from other tribes. Their criteria for having work in the gallery was that material they sold had to be of the highest quality.

So, it is no surprise that these earrings were part of the inventory of the gallery. They were purchased by Anita at the New Mexico State Fair one year when she was working there as a judge. Although they are not signed, the exquisite work on these earrings certainly would make them eligible for placement in the Popovi Da Studio.

Mother of Pearl is difficult with which to work. The talented artist who made these dangle earrings deftly cut and shaped lustrous Mother of Pearl and then precisely placed the pieces in thin sterling silver channels. The dangles hang on a handmade link which is attached to a piece of shell in a small circular setting. The pierced earrings are unsigned.

Condition: these Silver and Mother of Pearl Dangle Earrings are in excellent condition

Provenance: From the inventory of Popovi Da Studio of Indian Arts, passed down to Popovi’s granddaughter.

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment from Prehistory to Present by Lois Dubin