Zuni Channel Inlay Bracelet with Turquoise Gemstones [SOLD]

Zuni Pueblo is the largest of the nineteen New Mexican Pueblos, covering more than 700 square miles and with a population of over 10,000. More than 80% of the Pueblo Nation’s workforce is involved in making art!

Zuni channel inlay is one of the more difficult methods of making Southwest Indian Jewelry. To create channel inlay the artist must be both adept at working silver as well as proficient in cutting, shaping and setting of gemstones. It was quite common for many items of what is considered to be Zuni jewelry to be a joint effort between a talented silversmith, usually Diné,  and an equally talented lapidary artist, most often Zuni. 

Twelve small rectangles of turquoise were carefully set within channels of silver in this late 20th century narrow band bracelet. The turquoise section rests on a heavy gauge triangular-shaped silver band decorated with a series of hand filed lines. The hand engraving gives the bracelet a unique texture reminiscent of early chisel work by 19th century Diné silversmiths.  This amazing channel inlay Zuni bracelet is unsigned.

Condition: The Zuni Channel Inlay Bracelet with Turquoise Gemstones is in excellent condition.

Provenance: The bracelet is from a member of the Maisel family of Albuquerque. Adobe Gallery has just learned that after 42 years of business, the owner of Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry & Crafts is retiring and closing his iconic store on Central in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque.

Recommended Reading:

- Southwestern Indian Jewelry by Dexter Cirillo

- Zuni Jewelry by Theda Bassman

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo, Bracelets