Zuni Jewelry Genuine Turquoise Sterling Silver Inlaid Thunderbird Necklace Earrings Set 0130-NK
Zuni Jewelry Genuine Turquoise Sterling Silver Inlaid Thunderbird Necklace Earrings Set by Native American artist RL ZUNI.
This Zuni Necklace is full of natural beauty. The gorgeous Thunderbird design features hand cut tiles of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, red Coral, black Jet, and Mother of Pearl. Each of these hand cut stones has been inlaid in shimmering Sterling Silver to create the traditional deign. This is Zuni Indian jewelry at it's finest. Each sheet of Sterling Silver has been hand cut and dressed with hand twisted Sterling Silver wire and hand made Sterling Silver 'tear drops'. The total length of this necklace is 17" and the matching post earrings are 1-1/2" long by 3/4" wide. This set has been signed by the artist R.L. Zuni.
The Zuni Indians learned to silversmith from the Navajo in the early 1870's. The Zuni, because they had permanent homes unlike the nomadic Navajo, were able to use many tools that the Navajo could not easily carry with them. With the lapidary wheels they began cutting stones and using the silver to hold their stones in patterns. Today, Zuni silversmiths are known for their lapidary skills. Both channel inlay (using precisely cut stones set on silver to form figures and designs) and cluster and needlepoint (setting small, similarly cut stones in geometric patterns) are traditional Zuni styles.
There are many legends about Turquoise; The Pima consider it to bring good fortune and strength and believe that it helps overcome illness. The Zuni believe that blue turquoise was male and of the sky and green turquoise was female and of the earth. Pueblo Indians thought that its color was stolen from the sky. In Hopi legend the lizard who travels between the above and the below, excretes turquoise and that the stone can hold back floods. The Apache felt that turquoise on a gun or bow made it shoot straight. The Navajo consider it as good fortune to wear and believe it could appease the Wind Spirit.
We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.
CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC |