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Zuni Jewelry - Silver and StonesHow do they do that? Inlay - cutting, shaping and polishing stones to create a pattern in a metal form, usually silver. The form is created then the stones are selected and cut to fill the space. The Zuni are well known for this style.
The Zuni people are farmers and traders, as well as excellent craftspeople. The reservation is highly protected, isolated and self-sufficient. The people live in the traditional ways of their ancestors and speak the Shiwi language, which is unique to them. In history, the Zuni avoided conflict whenever possible and were able to maintain their autonomy. The Zuni tribe resides on their historical land. Zuni artisans are known for their precise and incomparable inlay work utilizing tiny pieces of turquoise, jet, coral and other stones in distinct patterns, each meticulously laid in place. These jewelery pieces are products of true lapidary artisans. They possess an uncanny understanding of how to cut and shape a vast array of materials to fit precisely in their wonderfully creative design work. They are renowned throughout the world for their amazing inlaid, needlepoint (stones cut into tiny pieces pointed on both ends) and petitpoint (teardrop or round shaped materials) jewelry. Their jewelry inlay consists of channel inlayed turquoise, jet, shell, coral, and other precious metals and stones. Seen usually in bolo ties of standing figures and dancers, they are also popular pins, bracelets, earrings, and buckles. Popular designs include knifewing, spiritual figures, rainbow man, butterfly, and thunderbird. Each stone is independently shaped and set in a silver channel. Older inlay does not have the silver separator, as stones were laid next to each other. Black Arrow Indian Art Gallery offers a wonderful selection of authenticated Zuni Jewelry. TribalWorks.com also offers a nice selection of authenticated Zuni Jewelry. Hopi Jewlery Santo Domingo Jewlery Other Native American Jewelry Traditions Stones and Stone Treatments What To Look For When Purchasing Native American Jewelry Return from Zuni Jewelry to Native American Jewelry
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