Zuni Silversmith and Zuni Jewelry Information
A Navajo blacksmith named Atsidi Saani learned to silversmith
from a Mexican man, Nakai Tsosi. He in turn taught many other Natives.
A Zuni man named Lanyade learned to silversmith from a Navajo named
Atsidi Chon. Lanyade later taught the Hopi people.
The Zuni artists were previously accomplished in iron, copper,
wood, shell and ceramics. With the addition silversmith techniques,
the Zuni began to prosper. Zuni jewelry is characterized by several
styles of craftsmanship. The most common is stone inlay. As smaller
pieces of stone were easier to obtain, the Zuni created inlay designs.
Various small stones are individually cut and set to fit closely
together in specific patterns, this jewelry is super popular and is called Zuni Inlay Jewelry. This inlay jewelry is so popular that it has been heavily imitated all over Asia. Another technique is called needlepoint.
Several small oval shaped stones with pointed ends (similar to an
eye shape) are set on their side closely side by side. This style
is usually done in turquoise for a ring or bracelet. The Zuni artists
are also known for their stone animal carvings, called fetishes. In
the jewelry they use miniature carvings of birds, foxes, bears and
such. Single or multi strand necklaces are made with heishi (shell
beads) and the animal beads. The Zuni focus is on the stonework in
their inlay turquoise jewlery designs. Pieces with large stones often include more detail
in the silver work such as design stamps and silver twists. A huge
amount of Zuni artists focus on inlay silver jewelry. The Zuni inlay turquoise jewelry has become one of the most popular forms of Southwestern Jewelry.
ZUNI NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY

Make certain you do not miss Durango Silver Company - It will be
one of the highlights of your trip!
Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM - May thru December and
January thru April by appointment or chance.
SOME OF OUR OTHER INTERNET PROJECTS:
Check out our Turquoise Jewelry website at: www.turquoise-jewelry.com
Check out our Tortoise Turquoise website at:
www.tortoiseturquoise.com
Check out our Bisbee Turquoise website at:
www.bisbeeturquoise.com
Check out our Royston Turquoise website at:
www.roystonturquoise.com
Check out our Turquoise Bible website at: www.turquoisebible.com
Check out our Royston Turquoise website at:
www.roystonturquoise.com
Check out our Turquoise Museum website at: www.turquoise-museum.com
Check out our Indian Village website at: www.indianvillage.com
Check out our Mesa Verde National Park website at: www.mesaverde.com |