This beautiful 1950"s - 60's Zuni thunderbird set is inlaid with natural Morenci turquoise, jet, mother of pearl and red Abalone shell. This piece is signed Zuni ABY. Adeline Yawakia is from the Zuni pueblo and is well-known for her outstanding inlay work. A beautiful necklace with 12 smaller inlaid thunderbirds finish off this lovely piece. Accompanying this necklace is a bracelet, adjustable ring, clip on earrings and a pin/pendant. The silver beads are also hand crafted during this time period.
The one of a kind necklace measures, 16 1/2" long, with an additional 2" x 2 3/4" naja. The smaller birds measure 1" x 3/4". The bracelet measures 2" wide with and inside measurement of 5 1/2", with a 1" opening. The earrings and ring measure 15/16" long by 11/16" wide. The pin/pendant measures 1 7/8" long by 1 3/4" wide. Very precise inlay with fine stamp work add the final touch to this lovely set.
Her work is published in Zuni Jewelry, the Art and the People, Vol 2, by Barbara and Ed Bell.