This uniquely made and beautiful Rainbowman necklace is handcrafted Zuni work. Outstanding hand tooled silver work with precisely set inlay of abalone shell, mother of pearl shell, jet and natural (color changed) deep Blue Gem turquoise. Hand crafted small, silver beads and heavy silver wire attach each small rainbowman which makes this a more unique necklace. Just a stunningly beautiful necklace, with precise inlay work. Not hallmarked which was common during this era.
The center rainbowman measures 2 3/8" long by 1 1/4" wide. The 12 smaller rainbowman measure 1" long by 1/2" wide. The total length is 25" 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.
