Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Rare Zuni Vintage Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Coral, Shell, and Jet Sunface Bracelet

$525

Artist: Unsigned
Style: Sunface Cuff Bracelet
Pueblo: Zuni
Period: Vintage (1960-1990)
Materials: Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Red Coral, Shell, and Jet
Item: #5096

Categories: , ,

In stock

Description

Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent vintage condition.

Make a vibrant statement with this rare vintage Zuni multistone inlay cuff bracelet. The centerpiece of this striking design features a series of intricate, circular Sunface motifs. Each station is a masterclass in precision lapidary work, meticulously inlaid with hand-cut natural turquoise, fiery red coral, luminescent white mother-of-pearl, and deep black jet. These iconic, colorful settings are securely framed by smooth silver bezels and elegantly interspersed with bright, round coral cabochons and classic silver drops. The stunning stonework is mounted on a sturdy, double-wire sterling silver cuff, allowing the intricate mosaic patterns to truly shine.

The Zuni Pueblo is world-renowned for its exceptional stone-cutting precision and intricate inlay techniques. The Sunface (or Sun God) is one of the most culturally significant and beloved motifs in traditional Zuni jewelry, symbolizing life, warmth, abundance, and positive energy. To create this design, vintage artisans had to masterfully hand-shape every individual stone to fit perfectly against the next. Authentic vintage pieces featuring this traditional, colorful motif are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate historical provenance, meticulous craftsmanship, and the deeply symbolic artistry of the Zuni people.

About the Pueblo

The Zuni Pueblo, located in western New Mexico, is known for its rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship, particularly in jewelry making. The Zuni people have a long history of creating intricate and distinctive jewelry, using materials like turquoise, coral, shell, jet, and silver. Their jewelry designs often reflect their deep connection to nature, spirituality, and their cultural traditions.
One of the most notable styles of Zuni jewelry is the multistone inlay technique, where small stones are meticulously fitted together to form intricate patterns, such as animals, flowers, and geometric shapes. Zuni silversmiths are also known for their precision in creating pieces such as turquoise and coral necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, often featuring symbolic motifs tied to Zuni cosmology and beliefs.
Zuni jewelry is highly regarded for its craftsmanship and beauty, with each piece representing the artist’s skill and cultural identity. It continues to be a treasured art form, passed down through generations.