3 Strand Necklace of 87 Bird Fetishes
Zuni
- Savvy Price $975.00
- Gallery Price $1,500.00
- Title
- 3 Strand Necklace of 87 Bird Fetishes
- Artist
- 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
- 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 !!!
- About Zuni
The best book to explain the steps in creating Zuni cluster jewelry is Oscar Branson's Indian Jewelry Making. Volume II. Look at page 48 illustrating each step to create a cluster bracelet.
- Other Works By Zuni:
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