Zuni Pueblo Pair of Multi-stone Cufflinks

This Is a pair of sunface mosaic inlay cufflinks. They do not bear the name of the Zuni lapidary artist. They are likely mid-twentieth century creations.

The circle of the face of the sun was set in mother of pearl, jet, and spondylus shell in mosaic style. The sunface has a pair of turquoise earrings, and a beautiful feather display of mother of pearl tipped with jet. The cufflinks are an excellent example of channel inlay technique.

What is significant about the Zuni Sunface? The two sections of the Sunface image represent two important ideas. The first is the pairing of one with the family. To the Zuni people, family is as critical to life as food and water and they also believe each person is unique and special. Each requires the other, and both become represented as a main component in the Sunface. The other meaning is to symbolize the coming and going of the sun, sunrise and sunset, or day and night. The continuity of these events gives hope and stability to the Zuni, - neither can exist without the other.

Condition: very good condition.

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Pair of Multi-stone Cufflinks is from the collection of a client from Colorado

Recommended Reading: Masterworks and Eccentricities: The Druckman Collection; Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry and Metalwork 1880-1950 by Robert Bauver

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo