Zuni Channel Inlay Bracelet, Earrings, and Ring with Sun Face Design

This magnificent jewelry combination of a bracelet, ring, and pair of earrings features the sun face in exquisite mother of pearl, jet, coral, and turquoise, all set in channel inlay and mosaic inlay form. Each piece is stamped with a sun face symbol, the logo of the husband-and-wife team Sadie and Morris Laahte of Zuni Pueblo. The medallions on the bracelet, ring, and earrings are domed, not flat. The earrings have screw posts, an indication that the set probably dates to pre-1950.

The lapidary work on each of the four items is exquisite and flawless. The mother of pearl is set within silver frames. The sun face was arranged in mosaic inlay style. The set is exceptional.

The Sunface is an ancient symbol in Zuni culture. It represents the sacred Sun Father. The Zuni people honor the Sun's vital role in changing seasons and successful crops, recognizing that the warmth of the sun sustains life, enables growth, and brings joy and prosperity. The round motif of the symbol depicts the Sun with a forehead split down the middle to reflect the infinite balance between sunrise and sunset. Rectangular eyes and a round mouth complete the face, and the whole is encircled by feathers that radiate outward like sunlight. Source: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Real Simple: How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home  (This will take you to another website)

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Channel Inlay Bracelet, Earrings, and Ring with Sun Face Design is from the collection of Bob & Louise Sluder, Dealers/Collectors active from 1955 to 1990

Recommended Reading: ZUNI a Village of Silversmiths by James Ostler, Marian Rodee, and Milford Nahohai, Published by Zuni A:Shiwi Publishing, 1996.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo