Zuni Turquoise Eagle Dancer Ring by Madeline Beyuka [SOLD]

This is a gorgeous ring made by Zuni jeweler Madeline Beyuka. Beyuka has been known for her designs of dancers from the Pueblo, and this ring features a striking eagle dancer made out of turquoise. It is a fairly large dancer and includes two different shades of turquoise—one of a light blue color and the other a darker tint.

The dancer wears a feather on the head and winged eagle feathers on the arms. Around the ankles are sashes in the darker colored turquoise.

To the Zunis, the eagle is a powerful and sacred symbol of intuition, creativity, and connection to a divine power. The eagle is seen as a messenger to the gods.

The back of the ring is signed MB.

Madeline Beyuka (1935- ) is a Zuni jeweler who was active from the early 1950s to the late 1980s. She and her once husband Edward, who was known for creating many outstanding figures on Zuni jewelry, worked together to make pieces which typically featured dancers. She is recognized for channel inlay work.

Madeline has nine children, some of whom continue to make jewelry.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Turquoise Eagle Dancer Ring by Madeline Beyuka is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers by Margery Bedinger

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Madeline Beyuka