Multi-stone Inlay Zuni Pueblo Knifewing Screw Back Earrings [SOLD]

This pair of Multi-stone Inlay earrings has screw back attachments which helps date them to pre-World War II.  Each earring features the Zuni Pueblo Knifewing personage.

The materials include mother-of-pearl, jet, spondylus shell, and turquoise.  The stones are arranged in a stone-to-stone mosaic pattern.  Stone-to-stone is an early procedure.  Later, silver strips were placed between the adjoining stones.

The Knifewing design represents a Zuni sky-being that, according to Frank Hamilton Cushing, (who lived with the Zuni in the late 1800s) is the hero of many Zuni tales. It was first used by Zuni as early as 1920 and was the first design of the Zuni inlaid with stones.

Along with the Rainbow Man, the Knifewing was a popular design used by the Zuni jewelers beginning in about the 1920s. The design of the Knifewing was probably altered in order not to offend traditional Zuni people. These screw-back earrings are a good example of the craft of Zuni mosaic inlay. Each small piece is perfectly placed to create a miniature work of art.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: these Multi-stone Inlay Zuni Pueblo Knifewing Screw Back Earrings are from the collection of a gentleman from Colorado

Recommended Reading: Zuni: A Village of Silversmiths by James Ostler

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo, Earrings