Rare Zuni 1940's Thunderbird Bolotie

Unknown artist...

Circa 1940's - 1950's

Silver, Turquoise, Coral, Jet and Mother of Pearl

 As you can see, the bolotie was photographed atop the image of a similar Thunderbird
from Dr' Schaaf's book. Dr. Schaaf did not identify the artist who made this
piece... nor can I... possibly Teddy Weahkee or Frank Vacit...

However it is clear to me that this bolotie is early (about 1940's) Zuni
made by a Zuni Pueblo master silversmith

1 3/4" x 1"

$575

*** Old Zuni channel Inlay jewelry has been copied and forged by everyone...
both here and abroad... forever. The difference between the original and copies is astounding.

The work of the old Zuni masters feels alive... the silver channels are so delicate they should have
melted apart simply from the heat of the torch and soldering iron.... yet there is no trace
 of solder... or any error at all for that matter. The silver work is... as is the precise
lapidary and timeless design. Zuni lapidary is often the work of Zuni wives.

Elizabeth Leekya usually did the inlay on Frank Vacit jewelry

It should be know that electricity did not arrive in Zuni till the 1960's.
 Only hand tools and ancient methods were used making early
Southwest Native American jewelry.

Original pieces like this rarely appear... copies are rampant

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