Robert and Bernice Leekya, Zuni Pueblo Jewelers

Robert (b. 1934) and Bernice Leekya (Zuni Pueblo): Masters of Turquoise Jewelry

Robert (b. 1934) and Bernice Leekya, the esteemed husband-and-wife jewelers from Zuni Pueblo, are celebrated for their distinctive and bold turquoise nugget jewelry and masterful channel inlay work.

Robert, the son of the legendary fetish carver Leekya Deyuse, inherited a profound artistic legacy. He began crafting jewelry in 1953, learning the intricate skills directly from his renowned father as a young man. Together, Robert and Bernice have continued to create iconic pieces that exemplify the rich tradition and enduring artistry of Zuni jewelry.

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Teddy Weahkee, John Adair, Hawikuh, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Leekya Deyuse