Knifewing and Rainbow Man in Zuni Jewelry

Knifewing and Rainbow Man in Zuni Jewelry

Author: Toshio Sei

Shiffer Publishing

Hardback, first edition, 2010

144 pages, 186 color photos

6-¼" Height x 9-¼" Width x ⅝" Depth

From the Jacket:

This original book delves into the origins and contemporary interpretations of the Knifewing god in Zuni mythology and the sacred being Rainbow Man from ancient Zuni traditions, neither of which is an all-powerful or important Kachina. This thorough study was undertaken to establish the identities of 28 Zuni artists and their Knifewing and Rainbow Man designs in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Their silver and mosaic stone inlay pins, bracelets, bolo ties, and other ornaments appear in 186 color photos that display subtle variations that indicate forgotten important artists, such as Bowman Paywa and Homer Vacit, for the first time. It also features the Knifewing and Rainbow Man designs made by Merle Edaakie, who was the father of a famous mosaic inlay artist, Dennis Edaakie. Detailed analysis explains the changes and connections among early and recent makers and their individual styles, materials, and designs.

About the Author:

Toshio Sei has collected Japanese kokeshi dolls, Japanese picture kites, lacquerware, and Western fine art prints for 40 years. Since 1993, he has collected Zuni fetishes and antique mosaic jewelry. He recently retired as a social and developmental psychology professor in the Graduate School of Medicine at Yamaguchi University. He and his wife live in Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan.