Zuni Channel Inlay Necklace and Earrings SET [SOLD]

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Rodney Laiwakete
  • Category: Complete Sets
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Turquoise
  • Size:
    Necklace: 19” end to end;
    Earrings: 1-½” x ¼”
  • Item # C4057J
  • SOLD

Clasping mechanism

For centuries, Zuni Pueblo artisans have been known for fine craftsmanship and skill working with stone. Their channel inlay, mosaic or pettitpoint jewelry, and stone fetishes are recognized as the epitome of stonework in the American Southwest.  Zuni jewelers began making jewelry for outside sale in the beginning of the 20th Century. Traders such as C.G. Wallace and Andrew Vander Wagon provided materials and encouragement to artists and marketed their jewelry to tourists along Route 66 as well as supplied the Fred Harvey gift shops with inventory.

Rodney Laiwakete signatureThis Zuni channel inlay necklace and earring set was made by Zuni artist Rodney Laiwakete. Better known as a fetish carver, Laiwakete has used his amazing skill of carving to finely cut multiple pieces of turquoise and set them precisely into channels of sterling silver. The necklace features three crescent-shaped sections connected by a delicate silver chain. Three inlaid drops dangle from the center crescent. Accompanying the necklace is a pair of matching earrings. The necklace is inscribed with the artist’s name.


Condition: this Zuni Channel Inlay Necklace and Earrings SET is in like-new condition

Provenance: From a Colorado collector

Recommended Reading: Zuni Jewelry by Theda Bassman

Close up view.

Rodney Laiwakete
  • Category: Complete Sets
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Turquoise
  • Size:
    Necklace: 19” end to end;
    Earrings: 1-½” x ¼”
  • Item # C4057J
  • SOLD

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