Zuni Pueblo Multi Stone Inlay Peacock Pin [SOLD]

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Raymond Quam (1938-1971)
  • Category: Pins
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Shell, Jet
  • Size: 2-⅛” tall x 2” diameter
  • Item # C4057H
  • SOLD

The tradition of working with stone to make jewelry has been passed down to Zuni artists from generation to generation since prehistoric times. Ancient Zuni lapidaries used stone and antler tools to shape various types of shell, including clam, abalone and spiny oyster, as well as turquoise and local stone to make earrings, bracelets and necklaces. In the late 19th Century, the Zuni were introduced to working with silver. It is generally believed that the first Zuni silversmith to incorporate stones into the silver was Kineshde in the late 1890s.

The arrival of the railroad and the tourists traveling on the railroad influenced Zuni jewelry styles and manufacturing techniques. One of the most influential traders at Zuni was C.G. Wallace. Wallace understood the need to manufacture items that appealed to a non-Native clientele. He focused his marketing on the travelers who came along Route 66 and throughout Indian Country. Wallace provided tools and materials, as well as suggested designs pleasing to tourists, to Zuni jewelers.

Raymond Quam (1938-) hallmark signature stampToday, most families at Zuni have at least one person who is involved in the jewelry making business. It is a major economic activity at Zuni. One of the better-known families is the Quam family. Raymond Quam (1938-1971) was known for fine cluster work as well as channel inlay. He precisely shaped each small stone to fit snugly into the silver channel. This amazing peacock pin/pendant consists of turquoise, jet and spondylus shell set with iridescent abalone shell. The abalone shell is nature’s copycat of the magnificent peacock feather.

Raymond Quam’s work is found in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.


Condition: The Zuni Pueblo Multi Stone Inlay Peacock Pin / pendant is in excellent condition

Provenance: From a Colorado collector

Recommended Reading: Zuni Jewelry by Theda Bassman

Raymond Quam (1938-1971)
  • Category: Pins
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Shell, Jet
  • Size: 2-⅛” tall x 2” diameter
  • Item # C4057H
  • SOLD

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