Wide Silver Band with Mosaic Inlay Knifewing Images [SOLD]

Zuni Pueblo artisans are known worldwide as phenomenal lapidary artisans and jewelry makers.  They are masters at cutting stones and fitting those stone-to-stone to form mosaic imagery in jewelry.  The three Knifewing images are imbedded into the silver band in a manner that the stones are smooth and level with the silver.

Along with the Zuni Rainbow Man, the Zuni Knifewing was a popular design used by Zuni jewelers beginning in the 1930s. The Knifewing is a supernatural being for the Zuni people. For public use, its design was probably altered in order not to offend traditional Zuni people. This bracelet is a good example of the craft of Zuni multi-stone inlay. Each small piece is perfectly placed to create a miniature work of art.

It is comprised of beautiful deep black jet, orange color spondylus shell, blue turquoise with a copper matrix, and white shell or bone.  The letters RUXX have been scratched into the silver on the back in a manner that resembles having been done with a Dremmel drill.

This is a perfect bracelet for someone with a small wrist.

Condition: appears to be in original condition

Provenance: from a family living in Santa Fe

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