Dewa Family Zuni Pueblo Hummingbird Motif Bolo [SOLD]

This Zuni bolo features a stamped silver frame around a hummingbird motif.  The scene is backed by sterling silver, which is cut, indented, twisted, and stamped with sun rays all around the edges. This has the effect of surrounding the pictorial with interesting texture.  

The next framed portion contains four rectangle channels inlaid with geometric shapes formed from wood, pearl, red coral, jet, and robin’s egg colored turquoise. They are patterned in a way that is similar to designs often seen on pueblo pottery. 

The star of this piece is the refined and graceful hummingbird titular motif.  An opalescent and positively radiant piece of pearl was selected as the background.  Beveled into this pearl with a very steady hand are small channels for the inlay of jet sunrays, feathers, and stems.  A turquoise sun, hummingbird head, and leaves ornament flowers of red coral.  A particularly glowing piece of pearl was used as the hummingbird’s body and is so similar to that of the real thing it is shocking.  

The strap was made from braided leather and capped at the ends with two conical silver beads finished at the ends with silver wagon wheel dangles. 

Don and Velma Dewa are pictured in the book Zuni The Art and the People, with the following comment: “Two of the many fine younger silversmiths, Velma likes cluster work while Don favors inlay.  Velma is the daughter of Seff and Loretta Eriacho.”

Condition: This Zuni hummingbird bolo is in original condition. 

Provenance: This Dewa Family Zuni Pueblo Hummingbird Motif Bolo is from an estate in eastern Washington State. 

Reference: ZUNI The Art and the People, Volume II, Published by Squaw Bell Traders, 1976

Relative Links: Zuni Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Don and Velma Dewa, Zuni Pueblo Artisans