Teddy Weahkee Zuni Inlay and other Rare Vintage Zuni Jewelry

Inlay like this started in Zuni in the 1920's or 30's. Among
the key artists were Teddy Weahkee, Frank Vacit,
Leo Poblano, Lambert Homer.

It moved forward with Eddie Beyuka (deceased), Dennis
Edaakie, the Benn's and Andrea Lonjose Shirley.

The Eddie Beyuka Spirit Dancer offered is an excellent example
of this art form from a very well respected, published
and collected artist.

It is meant to be worn, but could easily be mounted in
a shadow box and displayed on a wall.

Original Leather string tie (which is worn and we would be happy to
replace at no cost) and Eddie Beyuka drum tips included.

Chauncey and Bernice Simplicio Silver Pendant Pin

Circa 1960's - 1970's

The book pictured above is
Zuni The Art and The People
Volume I

Excellent Condition

Signed in script with an engraver

Silver Flowers and Leaves with a gem Kingman Turquoise
gemstone adorn the Inlaid Horse. The horse is
Tortoise Shell, Mother of Pearl and Silver,

It can be worn as a pendant or a pin

1 1/2" long

$250

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Lambert Homer is widely recognized as one of the finest Zuni
jewelers to have lived. His work and that of Frank Vacit
are extraordinary,

This piece feels very much like a Vacit... thin delicate
silver channels with complex inlay.

Zuni Inlaid Bolo Tie

Rare Vintage Large Eagle Dancer Bolo Tie

Rare Vintage Large Eagle Dancer Bolo Tie
Dennis Edaakie - Zuni

Dennis Edaakie is among the most famous of the Zuni jewelers
specializing in gem inlay. This Eagle Dancer is reminiscent of
work from great Zuni artists like Frank Vacit,
Leo Poblano, and Eddie Beyuka.

They created jewelry, works of art, that seem alive... that dance
in front of your eyes. Over the last 80 years there have been
few artists capable of such magic.

This particular bolo tie is made from very fine gem
Morenci or Kingman Turquoise, Mother of
Pearl, Jet, and Coral.

It is unsigned, but a piece very much like it can be seen in the
Schaaf volume, American Indian Jewelry I (a fine reference
book on the subject) - page 145. It was probably and early
piece before the Edaakie's used a hallmark. It also may
have been a personal piece or a gift to a friend, such
pieces are rarely signed (but exquisitely
made as is this one)

Circa 1950's or 1960's

It is in excellent, like new condition

A similar piece is said to have been made for President Truman

It is larger then he usually made and measures
3 1/2" across x 3 5/8" tall.

$4,500

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Rare Vintage Zuni Inlay Horse Bolo Tie

Helen and Lincoln Zunie (deceased)... Unsigned

Circa late 1940's or 1950's

This is the quality that made Zuni Inlay famous (although inlay is now
made by many people, it was the Zuni who began this style of Southwest jewelry
in the 1920's. Very thin gauge silver channels are perfectly inlayed
with beautiful Shell and Gemstones.

Thin gauge, silver, channel work like this is very difficult since the
heat necessary to lay the solder could easily melt or warp the silver.

The shell and gemstones are meticulously shaped and inlaid by
hand... electricity did not arrive in Zuni until
the early 1960's.

Notice the fastener on the back is handmade (not a jewelry
supply store bought Bennett Clip) and the work itself is extremely
graceful as in the style of Frank Vacit, Lambert Homer,
Leo Poblano and Teddy Weahkee... the great Zuni
artisans who began it all.

3" tall x 2 1/2" long

$2485

A word of caution... copies, imitations and lesser examples of this bolo tie
are rampant. Theses copies do not begin to approach the quality or the art
of this beautiful, early, original.

This is a rare piece that will look as good hung on a wall
as it will worn around your neck.