Zuni Pueblo Turquoise Eagle Dancer Pin/Pendant [SOLD]

This is a fascinating pin/pendant made by an unsigned jeweler from Zuni Pueblo. We are attributing it to Madeline Beyuka because it is extremely similar to a ring we've seen that was signed by her. This pendant features an eagle dancer made fully from turquoise, which is set on a silver backing.

The turquoise is of a fairly light color, and the eagle dancer is highly detailed. He is adorned with feathered wings, a headdress, a sash around his waist, and much more regalia.

To the Zunis, the eagle is a powerful and sacred symbol of intuition, creativity, and connection to a divine power. The eagle is seen as a messenger to the gods.

The pendant is unsigned, although as previously noted, we are attributing it to Madeline Beyuka.

Madeline Beyuka (1935- ) is a Zuni jeweler who was active from the early 1950s to the late 1980s. She and her once husband Edward, who was known for creating many outstanding figures on Zuni jewelry, worked together to make pieces which typically featured dancers. She is recognized for channel inlay work.

Madeline has nine children, some of whom continue to make jewelry.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Turquoise Eagle Dancer Pin/Pendant is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers by Margery Bedinger

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Madeline Beyuka