This incredibly beautiful set was a collaboration between three renowned artists. Preston Monongye (1927-1987), Mission/Hopi artist and Morris and Sadie Laahty, incredible Zuni artists. These pieces were done in the early 1970’s. Preston often collaborated with different artists, doing the stone or lapidary work on his pieces during this time, and with Morris and Sadie’s beautiful sunface designs it was a perfect match.

The material used for this piece was considered some of the best quality Serpentine ever found in New Mexico. It became available in the early 70’s and was quickly grabbed up by the Zuni artists and Traders. The color is so vibrant yellow/green in the sunlight it is just gorgeous! The traditional 4 colors in each sunface are mother of pearl, turquoise, coral and jet.

Preston’s cast work is always special, and these pieces show off his impeccable work. The inner part of the cast naja, each of the 8 blossoms, bracelet and earring blossoms are textured with a contrast of a smooth casting. Morris and Sadie were well-known in and around Gallup, NM. They were considered the best Sunface inlayers in Zuni and their work was very collectable. A beautiful combination for sure!

The naja measures 3 1/8” by 3”. The sunface in the center measures 1 5/8” diameter. The graduated sunface blossoms are from 1 3/8” to 1” at the top. The total length of the beads as 22" long, with the addition of the 3" Naja. The bracelet center face is 1 7/8” diameter. The inside of the bracelet is approx. 5 5/8” with a 1 1/8” opening. The earrings are 1” diameter and hang 1 ½”, not including the hand-crafted French wires. The ring is 1” diameter and is a size 7 ½. The ring has an added silver band on the inside, which can be removes for a larger size. Each piece is hallmarked. Preston’s Peyote bird is on the larger pieces and Morris and Sadie’s are on all of their pieces.