The beautifully carved birds are all made of abalone shell ranging in hues of deep blues, greens, purple, magenta and silver to creams and tans with a bit of orange. Kewa-made olivella shell heishi, banded in brown and white was strung between birds to give each enough space to be appreciated.
Even so, they present as a flock, light traveling along their little bodies, capturing their irridescent colors, bringing them all to life.
The strands are brought together with a wrap of cream-colored cord looking and feeling like satin, extremely comfortable on the back of a wearer's neck.
Description | The beautifully carved birds are all made of abalone shell ranging in hues of deep blues, greens, purple, magenta and silver to creams and tans with a bit of orange. Kewa-made olivella shell heishi, banded in brown and white was strung between birds to give each enough space to be appreciated. Even so, they present as a flock, light traveling along their little bodies, capturing their irridescent colors, bringing them all to life. The strands are brought together with a wrap of cream-colored cord looking and feeling like satin, extremely comfortable on the back of a wearer's neck. |
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About the Artist | Husband and wife, Zuni jewelry artists whose specialty was bird fetish carving active mid to late 20th century. Both are cited in Gregory Schaaf's publication American Indian Jewelry I and in every other publication treating significant American Indian jewelry artists. |
Culture | American Indian, Zuni, Women Artists |
Medium | Abalone shell, olivella shell heishi, cord |
Troy ounces | 2.67 troy ounces |
Size | Overall length is 32", including 4 3/4" traditional wrap. Birds average 3/16" or more in height X 1 1/4" in length beak to tail. Body thickness 3/16" approximately. |
Date of creation | 1960's-1970's |
Condition | Perfect ! |
Provenance | PC & CB |
Gram weight | 83.3 grams |