This beautiful Rainbowman necklace is handcrafted Zuni work and strongly attributed to Zuni artist Arnold Cellicion. Outstanding hand tooled silver work with precisely set inlay of abalone shell, mother of pearl shell, jet and natural Blue Gem turquoise. Hand crafted, heavy silver beads. Fine stamp work on the silver naja. Not hallmarked which was common during this era. Just a stunningly beautiful necklace, with precise inlay work.
The silver Naja measures 4 1/2" long by 4 1/2" wide. The large center Rainbowman measures 2 7/8" wide by 3" long. The 10 smaller rainbowmen measure 1 7/8" long by 1" wide. The total length including naja is 17 3/4" long.
The Zuni are known for their fine silversmithing, which began in the 1870's after learning fundamental techniques from the Navajo. Lanyade was the first Zuni silversmith, who learned the art from Atsidi Chon, a Navajo smith. By 1880, Zuni jewelers already set turquoise in silver. Today jewelry making thrives as an art form in at the Zuni Pueblo. Many Zuni have become master silversmiths and have perfected the skill of stone inlay, channel inlay, needlepoint and petit point. They found that by using small pieces of stone they were able to create intricate designs and unique patterns. Their style of work is very tedious and time consuming.
Unfortunately many of the Zuni jewelry designs have been reproduced overseas and are being sold in the U.S. as authentic Zuni jewelry. Buy from reputable dealers and ask for a written guarantee that the piece is American Zuni made.
