Traditional Zuni Silver Jewelry And Pins

Although the original people of North America

, known as Native Americans, have been there for thousands of years, some of their art and culture are actually relatively new. For example, it wasn't until a long time after Europeans came to conquer and colonize North and South America, that the local people perfected the art of making jewelry out of silver. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that they actually needed the European settlers to supply them with the main raw material.

A man called C G Wallace was highly instrumental in the advances of Zuni jewelry creations and designs. The local people had already mastered the art of shaping the metal, and also begun to use this skill more and more in their jewelry making. Then, just after the First World War he arrived in the Zuni Pueblo area and actively promoted the silver work and lapidary designs, such as Zuni pins. Over the next couple of decades the popularity of these wonderful designs and high quality craftsmanship continued to increase.

The Zuni experts in lapidary work and the silversmiths of the Navajo people combined their skills to create a new style, incorporating Zuni pins and many other pieces of jewelry both for males and females. This style, involving stone inlays and mosaics really came into its own at the end of the 1920s. At first, the inlay stone of choice was turquoise, but over the next decade or so other stones were experimented with; for example, mother of pearl, spiny oyster, and tortoise and abalone shell. However, the majority of people would probably argue that the true traditional Zuni silver jewelry must include turquoise inlays. One of the most desired items of Zuni silver jewelry are Zuni pins.

Some notable people in these creations are the likes of Leo Poblano, Teddy Weahkee, Lambert Homer, Mingus House and Frank Vacit. Although they each had their own successful periods in the 1940s, techniques and styles, their combined efforts have created the foundations for this beautiful craft from the indigenous people of southern North America. Their work can be found, in reputable Native American jewelry dealers, museums (most notably the Wheelwright Museum) and even online at such sites Ebay, although buying such items online and from suppliers one has never met is a highly risky and foolhardy practice. The best places to view Zuni pins and other jewelry from these wonderful artists are specialized museums, and really the only place to purchase items is from respected and reputable dealers.

by: Mark Alexander

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