Zuni Channel Inlay Rainbow Man Pin [SOLD]

The Zuni Rainbow Man is among the most popular jewelry item for collectors. Representations of specific native religious imagery such as this was frowned upon among most pueblos, but some ceremonially significant figures were conventionalized and used for decorative purposes, probably knowingly so, because of non-Indian interest. Some of these figures had their appearances deliberately altered to avoid offending traditionalists’ spiritual sensitivities.

This Rainbow Man pin dates to the 1920-1930 period. It consists of turquoise, jet, mother-of-pearl and spiny oyster shell set in stone-to-stone fashion in finely serrated silver bezels. Such fine bezel work is the work of an exceptionally talented jeweler and such meticulous lapidary work could only have been done by a very talented artisan.  The stonework is laid on sterling silver backing as the foundation.  Miniature silver domed and stamped buttons outline the body of the Rainbow Man.  A clasp on the back provides for secure fastening.

The manner in which the stones have been cut and so tightly merged against each other demonstrates that a very talented lapidary artist was at work on this piece. The strong black of the jet, merged with the blue-green of the turquoise, and accented by the spiny oyster’s orange-red color and the warmth of the glossy white of the mother of pearl provide a palette that is not achieved in today’s jewelry as it was in the past. This is truly an exceptional work of art.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from a gentleman in Santa Fe

Recommended Reading:  Zuni Jewelry by Theda and Michael Bassman