Sterling silver sheet and wire were utilized to fabricate the inlay base and channels for the Eagle Dancer body. The long bead tipped terminals of the leather cord were also fabricated from the same custom mill rolled ingot sheet utilized in the focal point form.
Inlay of hand-cut and carved Blue Gem mine and Bisbee turquoise, clam shell, red abalone, coral and jet were fitted with precision into the silver form--creating a figural piece of high visual dimension.
The tops are of the style and manufacture from the C.G. Wallace Trading Company silversmiths. Over time there evolved at least six "stand-out" classic designs made by artists who are now quite famous. Mr. Wallace wanted his best inlay artists to focus on what they did best. Dixon Shebola was one of these talents!
Attribution to Dixon Shebola and dating of this early unsigned piece are made on basis of firsthand knowledge of the artist, his work, career affiliations and influences.
Provenance for this handsome Shebola tie comes from the family that originally acquired it.
Description | Sterling silver sheet and wire were utilized to fabricate the inlay base and channels for the Eagle Dancer body. The long bead tipped terminals of the leather cord were also fabricated from the same custom mill rolled ingot sheet utilized in the focal point form. Inlay of hand-cut and carved Blue Gem mine and Bisbee turquoise, clam shell, red abalone, coral and jet were fitted with precision into the silver form--creating a figural piece of high visual dimension. The tops are of the style and manufacture from the C.G. Wallace Trading Company silversmiths. Over time there evolved at least six "stand-out" classic designs made by artists who are now quite famous. Mr. Wallace wanted his best inlay artists to focus on what they did best. Dixon Shebola was one of these talents! Attribution to Dixon Shebola and dating of this early unsigned piece are made on basis of firsthand knowledge of the artist, his work, career affiliations and influences. Provenance for this handsome Shebola tie comes from the family that originally acquired it. |
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About the Artist | (1937-1976) The Zuni artist Dixon Shebola was active from the early to mid 1950's until his death. He was not limited to making jewelry. Dixon's skill with channel inlay and mosaic jewelry carried over to the dance scenes he painted on leather. In 1955 he studied at the Santa Fe Indian School and at the Albuquerque Indian School, both in New Mexico. Recognition outside trading circles came with a 1st place award at the 1964 Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico. Before and after this event he exhibited and sold his art at the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. Dixon Shebola painted murals with Charles Vicenti for the Berlos Community Center. His work is in many collections including the Philbrook Art Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. |
Culture | American Indian, Zuni |
Medium | Sterling silver and natural turquoise, coral, shell, red abalone and jet on leather cord |
Troy ounces | 2.18 troy ounces |
Size | Figure is 3 1/2" height X 3 7/16" width. Tips are each 2 5/8" length X 3/8" width at bead |
Signed | Unsigned |
Date of creation | 1950's |
Condition | Excellent |
Turquoise | Natural Blue Gem as well as Bisbee turquoise |
Provenance | CB |
Gram weight | 67.8 grams |