This beautiful vintage pin is handcrafted Zuni work by well-known Lambert Homer. Lovely hand tooled silver work with precise channel inlay of natural turquoise, that forms a traditional Zuni knifewing figure. The pin measures 2 1/8" wide by 2 1/4" long. Not hallmarked, which was common during this era. There is a Traders code etched on the back.
The Zuni are known for their fine silversmithing, which began in the 1870's after learning fundamental techniques from the Navajo. Lanyade was the first Zuni silversmith, who learned the art from Atsidi Chon, a Navajo smith. By 1880, Zuni jewelers already set turquoise in silver. Today jewelry making thrives as an art form in at the Zuni Pueblo. Many Zuni have become master silversmiths and have perfected the skill of stone inlay, channel inlay, needlepoint and petit point. They found that by using small pieces of stone they were able to create intricate designs and unique patterns. Their style of work is very tedious and time consuming.
Unfortunately many of the Zuni jewelry designs have been reproduced in Asia and are being sold in the U.S. as authentic Zuni jewelry. Buy from reputable dealers and ask for a written guarantee that the piece is American Zuni made.
