Zuni Channel Inlay Buckle with Sun Face [SOLD]

The Sun Face or Tawa design is one of the most iconic of all Zuni jewelry motifs. The rainbow of colors used is derived from precisely cut pieces of turquoise, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl.  Color is an important concept in Pueblo religion. Each color has meaning in the Zuni religion:

- Turquoise is believed to be a spiritual stone of oneness and unity

- Mother-of-pearl represents imagination, intuition, sensitivity, adaptability and decision-making

- Coral is considered protective and soothing

- Black Jet (fossilized wood) is associated with stability and protection

The husband and wife team of Dora and José Massie carefully cut and set the four colors to create a Tawa or Sun Face. Each stone was shaped and set in silver channels. The center face consists of mother of pearl with black eyes and mouth. Surrounding the face is a layer of turquoise, surrounded by a layer of white and then black. On either side of the face is a section of black and white feathers. Dora and José Massie are known for their Sun Face jewelry creations and this is an amazing example of why their jewelry is so popular among collectors.

Condition: The Zuni Channel Inlay Buckle with Sun Face is in excellent condition.

Provenance: From the estate of a former client who amassed a collection of 40 Native-made belt buckles.  We have posted approximately 32 of them on our site and the remaining ones from the collection will be added as we receive them.

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present by Margaret Dubin