Zuni Handmade Phoenix Bird, Mosaic Inlay Of Blue Turquoise, Coral, Black Onyx, and Mother of Pearl, Set In 925 Sterling Silver. Silver Tested. Estimated more than 50 yrs old. The Zuni Native Americans live in the Pueblo of Zuni on the Zuni River in western New Mexico. Archaeology suggests that the Zuni have been farmers in their present location for 3,000 to 4,000 years. The Zuni traditionally speak the Zuni language that was solely taught to all the Zuni, and has no known relationship to any other Native American language. Zuni also make fetishes and necklaces for the purpose of rituals and trade. The Zuni are known for their fine silversmithing which began in the 1870s after they learned fundamental techniques from the Navajo. By 1880, Zuni jewelers set turquoise in silver and many have become master silversmiths and perfected the skill of stone inlay. The technique is normally used with turquoise, sometimes with coral and occasionally with onyx, in creating necklaces, cuffs, earrings and rings. The fine setting technique is known as "needle point" and even finer, as "petit point". Traditionally, Zuni women made pottery for food and water storage. They used symbols of their clans for designs. Clay for the pottery is sourced locally. Prior to its extraction, the women give thanks to the Earth Mother "Awidelin Tsitda" according to ritual. (Wikipedia) Size: See Ruler Photo. (Photos Represent The Condition Of The Lot.)

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