Leo Poblano Unsigned Inlay Cuff

Ultra fine Zuni inlay cuff attributed to Leo Poblano

This is an incredible work of engineering as well as craftsmanship. The one horned kachina and side blossom ornaments are executed using on the sacred 4 colors/ materials, red abalone, white pearl shell, black jet and blue turquoise.

The silver work is all from ingot and the double shank of exquisitively stamped and filed, swedged "wire" expands in the front forming a perfect frame for the face of Sai-astasana--Zuni Rain Priest of the North. He accompanies the Shalako in ceremony at Zuni.

Seldom seen offered for sale and even rarer original condition. This delicate work of art has seen the test of at least 75 years time and wear since its creation in the 1930's.  Look at even the file "beaded' spine of the frame. One cannot add to or sutract from this bracelet to make it more perfect!

Another one of those "cases" that prove the saying "special things will always find their home""

Leo Poblano was born about 1905 at Zuni Pueblo. Active as a jeweler between 1919-1959, he had an exceptional talent for inlay jewelry.

Poblano enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return, he served as a firefighter at Zuni pueblo in addition to working as an artist. When electricity came to his pueblo in 1950, he set aside his hand grinder in favor of an electric grinder. Once Poblano completed the stonework, Zuni trader C. G. Wallace would have a silversmith mount the stones. Leo Poblano died in a tragic accident in 1959. While performing his duty as a firefighter, a burning tree fell on him.

Noted for his large inlay figures, many of Poblano’s masterpieces were preserved by C. G. Wallace. His work is in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution, the Heard Museum and other prestigious institutions. His daughter, Victoria Poblano, is an innovative, award-winning jeweler.