Adobe Gallery Blog
Zuni Pueblo Magnificent Multi Stone Inlay Thunderbird Bola Tie - C4109E
The Zuni are masters at lapidary work. The manner in which a lapidary artisan cuts a variety of stones and fits them together to form wonderful geometric patterns or figural elements is unequalled by any other jewelry-making tribes. The precise manner in which each stone is shaped is akin to an artist creating a painting-it is mosaic work of the finest quality.
This mid-twentieth century Zuni Pueblo masterpiece features the legendary thunderbird. It was executed with turquoise, mother of pearl, coral (maybe spondylus), and jet, each cut in a variety of shapes from half moon, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular and free form. It must have been a nightmare for the lapidary artisan who labored over it. The silver tips each have mosaic inlay feathers that are pendant and swing freely.
This is a spectacularly strong image that was beautifully created in the 1940s or 1950s.
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