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3 Strand Necklace of 87 Bird Fetishes

Zuni

About The 3 Strand Necklace of 87 Bird Fetishes

The 87 birds were carved using files and a grinding wheel.  There are pieces of tumble-polished white pearl shell intersperced throughout.

The olive shell heishi is Santo Domingo made about the same time and probably traded for.

Sterling silver cones, hand made of sheet, were used to gather the 3 strands.  Drawn sterling wire was fabricated into chain with a hook and eye to finish and join this necklace at the back.  

Fetishes have been a part of Southwestern native cultures for thousands of years.  They are considered "spirit gifts" when found in the natural shape of a stone or piece of shell.  Sometimes the one who chances upon a stone that looks like a bear, will do a little to further enhance that appearance.  In this tradition of "less is more", the artist has given basic shape and "life" to a flock of 87 birds !!!

Savvy Price $975.00

Gallery Price $1,500.00

Item Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Product Details
Description

The 87 birds were carved using files and a grinding wheel.  There are pieces of tumble-polished white pearl shell intersperced throughout.

The olive shell heishi is Santo Domingo made about the same time and probably traded for.

Sterling silver cones, hand made of sheet, were used to gather the 3 strands.  Drawn sterling wire was fabricated into chain with a hook and eye to finish and join this necklace at the back.  

Fetishes have been a part of Southwestern native cultures for thousands of years.  They are considered "spirit gifts" when found in the natural shape of a stone or piece of shell.  Sometimes the one who chances upon a stone that looks like a bear, will do a little to further enhance that appearance.  In this tradition of "less is more", the artist has given basic shape and "life" to a flock of 87 birds !!!

About the Artist

The best book to explain the steps in creating Zuni jewelry is Oscar Branson's Indian Jewelry Making. Volume II. 

Culture American Indian, Zuni
Medium Deep blue to teal turquoise, white pearl shell and red/silver abalone shell, olive shell heishi, sterling silver
Troy ounces 4.99 troy ounces
Size Overall length from cone tip to opposite cone tip is 25 1/2" with an extra 4 7/8" for the wire wraps, chain and clasp.
Date of creation 1960's
Condition Excellent
Turquoise Natural deep blue to teal turquoise
Provenance NH
Gram weight 155.2 grams
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