Zuni Pueblo Multi-Stone Butterfly Pin, circa 1920 [SOLD]

Zuni artisans are praised for their masterful lapidary work.  They have achieved the ultimate in cutting stones so that they fit together in a stone-to-stone manner as tightly as the Inca set massive stones together without the use of mortar.  This Zuni Pueblo Multi-Stone Butterfly Pin, circa 1920, is an excellent example of such fine work.  Each stone fits the adjoining stone beautifully.

The silverwork on the front of the butterfly appears to be cast silver and it is mounted on plain silver sheet backing.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Illinois who purchased it in 1995 from Kania-Ferrin Gallery on Canyon Road in Santa Fe at which time it was stated that it was circa 1920.

Recommended Reading: Jewelry by Southwest American Indians: Evolving Designs by Nancy Schiffer.