Time Dances By - Native American Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
NA151	MERGER OF THE BEAR & PARROT CLANS ( Vintage Native American Hopi Indian Jewelry Chalmers Day Pin / Pendant ): I admit that I am an addicted to the work of multi-award winning Hopi artist Chalmers Day. This exquisite Sterling Silver pin/pendant is the first piece of his work that I ever purchased. (c. 1986) Chalmers Day jewelry takes one on a journey into the spiritual world of the Hopi. He is recognized as one of the greatest overlay jewelers in history. (See “American Indian Jewelry I – 1200 Artist Biographies”, page 133.) I was so taken by the unusual shape of this large pin/pendant and the way you can see all of the tiny darkened texture marks in the underlay. In this remarkable piece he named “Merger of the Bear & Parrot Clans”, you can see the giant bear claw at the top reaching down toward the parrot claw curled at the bottom. Projected to the right the little bear straddles two worlds. Earth and sky symbols are interwoven at the center. (Chalmers is a member of the parrot clan.) The silver is done in a matte finish. There is a safety clasp pin back and a good sized hook to use as a pendant. The back is hallmarked with his cloud symbol and the word “Sterling”. I used to stand in line at 6:00 AM at the Santa Fe Indian Market to be able to purchase one of the seven or eight pieces he had made. In a few hours he was done selling, gathered up his award ribbons and was gone. Condition: Excellent. From my personal collection the back retains all of the original information. Chain is not included. Size: Large. 3 1/2" high, 1 3/4" wide, just over 1/4" deep.	$400.00
NA155	SPIRIT LIZARD ( Vintage Native American Zuni Indian Jewelry Pin / Pendant ): I was surprised to see that I had never sold a lizard piece before. I love them and it’s hard to part with this one. (c. 1990) This Zuni Pin/Pendant Lizard honors the Native American belief that all animals have spirits and they respect and revere even spiders, frogs and, of course, lizards. The multi-stone inlay curving down the back of the lizard consists of coral, jet, turquoise and mother-of-pearl. One of the things that drew me to this fine fellow is the fact that he stands upon his feet – only his toes touch the ground. The bends in his legs are a life-like touch. There is a safety clasp pin back and a nice sized ring at his neck to turn him into a pendant by adding a chain of your choice. I wore him on my shoulder where he perched nicely or sometimes I put him on the back shoulder of my jacket so that he appeared to be climbing up to my shoulder. I could always hear the whispers “Look – that lady has a lizard on her back!” Jewelry is designed to have fun with – try pining him partway inside your pocket so that he appears to be climbing out. The hallmark on the back is stamped “AP” and “Sterling”. There are many artists using the initials “AP”, but this could be a piece by the Zuni silversmith Alvin Paquin. Let this animal spirit bring some blessings and fun into you life. He is good sized and you will smile when ever you look at him. Oh! Yes, I have house trained him! Condition: Excellent. The chain is not included. Size: 3 1/4" long, 1 3/4" wide, 1/2" deep because the body is lifted off of the feet.	$200.00
NA152	PURPLE & SILVER “SHOULDER DUSTER” EARRINGS: ( Native American Santo Domingo Indian Jewelry Beaded Earrings ): These dazzling pierced earrings are plucked from my personal collection of beaded beauties. Call them “shoulder dusters” or long and grand, the iridescent purple, green, white and pearl seed beads shimmer and glitter with life. The unusual shape of the “closed horseshoe” (or tear drop) top portion is an inspired and fresh take on beaded earrings – while below long tubular beads of silver glass, ending with oval silver beads, whisper as they brush your shoulders. Topped by silver pierced ear wires, these eye dazzlers light up the room and make you the center of attention. For the bold, confident woman who likes all eyes on her! Condition: Excellent. Much prettier than photos. The iridescence is difficult to capture. Size: Total from center of ear wire – 5” long, 1 1/4" at widest point.	$80.00
NA154	THE HOPI WAY ( Vintage Native American Hopi Indian Jewelry Bracelet ): Hopi Inlay Jewelry is characterized by self-containment and internal harmony. This sleek and sophisticated Vintage Sterling Silver Hopi Bracelet (c. 1980) is a perfect example of harmony. Symbols relate to each other and borders circumscribe the whole, suggesting the order and serenity of the Hopi people whose name for themselves means “people of peace”. The overlay technique was developed by the Hopi in early 1940 to make their silver work more distinct and to compete with the Navajo, Zuni & Santo Domingo work. The bottom layer of silver that shows through the top cutout is oxidized to make the design more prominent. Look closely for the tiny Hopi texture marks – all done by hand – under the overlay polished design. The surface of this bracelet is buffed and polished to a satin matte finish. Superbly crafted and hallmarked by Benjamin Mansfield (a stamp of an antelope), this bracelet also bears the trademark Hopi Tewa face denoting the Hopi Arts and Crafts Guild, guaranteeing that the piece is made of Sterling Silver. Regal and elegant – black and silver is always in the best of taste. It feels like satin on your wrist. Condition: Excellent. Size: Small to Medium sized bracelet. 1/2" high, 1/8” thick, measures 6 3/4” in circumference including the 1” opening.	$175.00
NA153	SUNFACE WITH SILVER WAR BONNET ( Vintage Native American Zuni Indian Jewelry Ring ): This vintage Zuni Ring is an estate find probably purchased in the ‘50’s. “A different take on the traditional Zuni Tewa (Hopi Sun God), the central face is inlayed with turquoise, coral, jet and shell. The face is bezel set in a claw mount that raises it above the rest of the ring. Instead of feathers, the face is surrounded in a war bonnet design made up of sterling silver wires and orbs. The arrangement gives this ring a character of its own and looks great on your finger. (Your own miniature warrior.) The ring is unmarked so the artist is unknown. A simple narrow ring band, size 7 1/2, can be resized if you choose. To make it smaller on your own, use a strip of Dr. Scholl’s moleskin. The moleskin has an adhesive on the back which you can place in the center back of the ring face to make it smaller and also prevent rings from swiveling on your finger. A great ring for the collector who craves vintage pieces at a low price. Condition: Excellent. A few light scratches to the face, but not visible to the naked eye. Size: Ring size 7 1/2. 1” high, 1 /4” wide, 1/4” deep.	$65.00
NA156	STYLISH RETRO ZUNI EAR CUFF ( Vintage Native American Zuni Indian Ear Cuff Earring ): This single “ear cuff” was all the rage in the 1970’s when I purchased it. This is a quite elaborate example. A Sterling Silver crescent moon is accented by four coral “feathers” and has a drop consisting of three coral rounds ending in a tear drop of coral. Hallmarked “Bill & Lou” & “Zuni” (Bill & Loucinda Laweka), this cuff is meant to go on your right ear to hang correctly. You’re going to ask “How do I wear that?” You put the cuff portion at the top of the outside of your right ear, slide it down the groove and squeeze it tighter when you find a spot that is comfortable. The higher you can wear it the better the dangle will hang. In this era of piercing body parts this is just the thing for the adventuresome teenager or one of your “artsy” friends and it comes off. I wore it in my youth – I am now “retro” without the cuff! Condition: Excellent. Size: Hangs 2 1/4", 1/2" wide. If you are interested, I have a few more of these cuffs in silver.	$15.00
NA150	CLARENCE LEE STORYTELLER BRACELET (Native American Navajo Indian Cuff Bracelet): If you know much about Navajo jewelry, you will recognize this Storyteller Bracelet as the work of esteemed Navajo silversmith, Clarence Lee. I purchased this bracelet from him at the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in Phoenix. (c. 1997) Lee is an artist who carefully records scenes from Navajo life – both past and present. The copper work at the top of the bracelet depicts the spectacular Monument Valley landscape. Floating in the cloud filled sky is a 14KT moon and a turquoise, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl sunface (Tewa) also set in 14KT gold. With precise attention to detail he celebrates the nostalgic and bucolic life of the Navajo. His trademark pickup truck filled with wood sits behind a man with an axe. A six-sided traditional Hogan has a copper fireplace and you can see the smoke coming out of the chimney – a little dog stands outside, next to a drying rack for hides. Inside the kitchen Lee has pictured his grandmother putting coffee on the stove; outside stands a water barrel. Another Navajo woman, along with her saddled horse and dog, holds a stick as she herds sheep and goats. These enduring aspects of Navajo life are rendered with a touch of whimsy. Lee is adept at all forms of casting and makes his own dies and stamps. Both the top and bottom rims of this bracelet are covered with stamp work. He uses a technique of appliqué, not overlay, in which each piece is cut out from silver, gold or copper and then soldered individually onto the base. This method is necessary because each of the metal has a different melting point. The multidimensional quality of this bracelet is astonishing! Clarence Lee has won every award around and has a copyright on these storyteller bracelets and concho belts. This is a thick bracelet with hallmarks that read “© Clarence Lee”, Sterling & 14K” along with his stamped rocking “LE”. The best of the best. An extraordinary work of art! Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 3/4" high, 1/4" deep with raised figures, 7 1/8” around including 1 1/4" opening at back. Because of its thickness this magnificent bracelet is best for a small wrist.	SOLD!
NA146	SHADOWS OF THE DESERT ( Native American Santo Domingo Indian Heishi Bead Necklace ): This striking Santo Domingo 7 Strand Necklace is made from Heishi beads rolled to perfection. The beads are olive shell heishi, clam shell heishi, pipestone and turquoise. (No seed beads used here.) Arranged in a traditional pattern of rows of alternating colors, the closure is a squaw wrap of beige thread. This is a necklace that you slip over your head and off you go! A handsome design and an array of colors you will see as the shadows of night begin to creep over the desert land. Wonderful for all seasons! Condition: Excellent. Size: 28” long, including wrap closure. Each of the color patterns is 2” long.	$85.00
NA149	LAPIS & CORAL NAVAJO RUG PATTERN ( Native American Navajo Indian Cuff Bracelet ): This Navajo Cuff bracelet is designed by Richard Begay “a master of mosaic inlay”. I purchased it at the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in Phoenix. (c. 1995) I was so impressed by the unusual colors and Navajo Rug Pattern design. The inlay stones are scarce pink angelskin coral, red Mediterranean coral and vibrant blue lapis lazuli. The cutout design is laid over a grainy reticulated surface that makes both the colors and design stand out more prominently. As he perfected his craft, “Richard explored different techniques for inlaying, always searching for the best way, the most beautiful setting, the perfect harmony of material and craft.” The inside of the bracelet is hallmarked “RB” “Sterling”. (The “RB” hallmark is also shared by his wife, Rita Begay.) You could search for years to find this extraordinary set of colors in an inlay bracelet. The beautiful things Richard looks for exist in his creations. Condition: Excellent. Size: 1” high, 1/8” deep, 7 3/8” around including 1” opening. My wrist over the bone is 6 1/2". It fits me perfectly. If your wrist is larger, it will not fit properly. Bracelet is a small to small medium.	$135.00
NA148	PETITE CIRCLE OF FEATHERS ( Vintage Native American Hopi Indian Earrings ): I am certain that this pair of petite Hopi clip earrings is one-of-a-kind. I can say that because I had them made by combining two pairs of earrings by the same designer. (c. 1980) This very fine and delicate work was done by Hopi artist Homer Vance, now deceased. The top motif is a Hopi “Tewa” or Sun God. There is a traditional face in the middle surrounded by feathers. The free swinging feather dangle that I had added gives the earrings a touch of drama. Both the feather and the Tewa are hallmarked “HV” and, of course, the earrings are Sterling Silver. Some ladies have asked for smaller earrings. These certainly fit the bill! It is much easier for the artist to do larger pieces than the texturing involved in such tiny places as the Tewa circle of feathers. The perfect gift to give yourself! Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” long, 5/8” wide.	$125.00
NA141	ZUNI WAR GOD ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni Earrings & Pin / Pendant ): This vintage set of Zuni Knife-Wing earrings and pin/pendant are part of an estate purchase that favored older jewelry pieces. This curious god, the Knife-Wing figure, is the hero of hundreds of folklore tales and the titular deity of the Zuni. He is represented as possessing a human form, furnished with knife feathered wings and tail. His dress includes the conventional terraced cap, representative of his dwelling place among the clouds. He was doubtless the original “War God” of the Zunis. I believe that these three pieces were made c. 19970-1980. The pin/pendant is hallmarked “G. B. NATACHU” and was made by Gillerimo Natachu who shared this hallmark with his wife Bernice Natachu. The Sterling Silver Knife-Wing pieces are inlaid with coral, turquoise, jet and mother-of-pearl. There is a bale for a find chain and a safety clasp pin closure on the back of the pendant. The earrings are a scarce pair of clip backs. Many ladies have asked for more clip backs since most Native American earrings are usually made for pierced ears. I am selling these pieces as a set – it takes forever to match pieces and achieve a set as beautifully compatible as this one. Zuni inlay work is highly prized for its complex and delicate craftsmanship. Go native with confidence that you are wearing “the real thing”. Condition: Excellent. Size: Pendant/Pin: 1 5/8” high, 2” wide, 3/8” deep (chain is not included). Earrings: 7/8” high, 1” wide, 1/8” deep.	$85.00 For The Set
NA142	CORNROW STRIPES ( Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Bracelet ): A captivating piece from my personal collection, this cuff bracelet (c. 1995) caught my eye because of the unusual mix of colors. Fashion designers always love black, white and red and so do I. Navajo by design, this Sterling Silver Bracelet is made of tapering, rounded inlay pieces of Jet, Red Jasper and possibly White Buffalo. (White Buffalo is not really Turquoise, but aluminite or howlite. The white inlay pieces have lovely sparkling bands of silver running through them. The impression this bracelet gives is something like corn row kernels, but much more sophisticated. Set into a silver mount, both the center top and the bottom of the band are edged with an extra band of silver with two tiny orbs at each end. The inside of the band is stamped “STERLING” and hallmarked “DD”. I believe the Navajo artists who made this elegant bracelet are Donny and Dorothy Clark. This bracelet fits a small wrist. A masterful cornucopia of exquisite color executed with Navajo skill and artistry. Not a piece that you will see again! Condition: Excellent. Size: 7/8” wide at center, tapering to 3/8” at ends, 1/4" deep. 6 1/4" inner opening including the gap. Fits a small wrist.	$175.00
NA138	MYSTICAL MOSAIC ( Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni Bear Pendant ): Highly detailed, filled with symbolism and rich with colored stone inlay, this Zuni Bear Pendant is a feast for your eyes. I purchased this sumptuous piece when I was in Sedona, knowing that I have a lot of buyers who love bears. Set in Sterling Silver, this lovely example of mosaic inlay combines turquoise, orange spiny oyster shell, lapis and two colors of mother-of-pearl (both white and yellow) – all set into a jet bear. The work is fine and precise, accented with silver dots and a silver ring for the bear’s eye. The back of this piece is hallmarked “MY” and “Sterling”. The mosaic design is of Yei figures. Please notice the large vibrant colored bail – a work of art it its own right. This bail can be used with a thick chain, a wide silver neck collar or you can slide it onto black or silver beads. The Sterling Silver chain that the bear is photographed on (marked “925”) is available for an additional price. This eye-dazzling bear pendant, encrusted with silver and stone inlay, will quickly become one of your favorite pendants. Just think of what a great gift this would make – then keep it for yourself! It’s simply too exciting to share. Condition: Excellent. Size: With bale 2 1/4" high, 2 1/4" wide, 1/8” deep. Bale has 3/8” opening. Sterling chain is 22” long with a lobster claw closure.	$250.00 Pendant $25.00 Chain
NA135	DESERT ABLOOM ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Santo Domingo Necklace ): I love the way that the colors of the desert – brown, beige, black and orange – mix with the turquoise sky in this colorful and appealing Vintage Santo Domingo necklace. (c. 1970’s) There are 10 strands of brown olive shell heishi, coral and jet beads (not seed beads) accented with small turquoise nuggets that combine to hang gracefully from Sterling Silver cones. You may wear this pretty piece hanging in 10 strands or twist them together to produce a swirled effect. They work wonderfully with other beads – nuggets for instance – or if the bale is large enough, you can hang a pendant at the bottom. I have also used a pin over the beads to add an accent at the right or left side. Often I wore them doubled around my neck like a collar with other necklaces hanging below. (Photos show both full length and doubled.) There is a hook and eye catch at the back. You can’t find a more versatile necklace abloom with the colors of the Southwest than this one. This Santo Domingo Pueblo necklace is a delight to wear anytime, anyplace. You will find yourself reaching into your jewelry box time after time for this captivating necklace. Condition: Excellent. Size: 10 strands 30” long. When wearing 1/2” to 3/4" wide.	$150.00
NA104	SPECTACULAR SCRIMSHAW ( Native American Indian Jewelry Scrimshaw Pendant ): Extravagant in size and remarkable in quality – are phrases that only begin to describe this rare and spectacular scrimshaw pendant. (An estate purchase. Crafted c. 1960.) It appears to be the work of 2 different artists. The Sterling Silver mount is signed by Navajo silversmith “R. Bennett” and the colorful scrimshaw design work has the initials “JMT” engraved near the bottom. The subject of the scene is definitely Hopi, so it is probably a Hopi/Navajo collaboration. Scrimshaw work is engraved on a surface and then usually highlighted with black, but in this case colorful, pigment. The precision and delicacy of the work produce a striking visual effect – clearly the work of a master craftsman. (You can see the fine etched marks in the close-up photos and that of the initials.) The colorful scene is rich in symbolism. The Tewa sun face at the top surveys the Hopi dancer, as a trio of mudheads appears at the left. I am uncertain about the material that is used as the base of this miniature work of art. It is not ivory. It could be bone or possibly “Vegetable Ivory” – a nut palm which polishes to an incredible likeness of ivory and whose hardness and durability rival that of ivory. There is a pendant hook on the back side. This is a rare, one-of-a-kind, piece of Native American jewelry. It will linger in your memory. Condition: Excellent. Size: 3 1/8” long, 2” wide, 3/8” deep.	$500.00
NA126	GEOMETRIC INLAY ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Coral Ring ): I have had several requests for more coral Native American pieces. Please understand that Mediterranean red coral is one of the most expensive stones that Navajo jewelers work with. (The photo with the white background shows the coral's truest deep red color.) This striking and multi-tiered ring is an excellent example of one of the more contemporary designer’s work. (c. 1988) Very labor intensive, the top coral stone is hand inlayed with a Sterling Silver stripe accented by lines of jet. It is mounted in a square cut bezel setting. The bottom tier – around the edges – is hand inlayed with a matching red coral, jet and opal. The Sterling Silver ring band is wide at the shank and tapers to a thinner comfortable back. The current ring size is a 7. Because of the wide shank it will fit a 6 ½ just fine. The shank can be made larger by a good jeweler. The ring is hallmarked, but the maker is unknown to me. This ring is a marvel of skill and artistry - the detail is a pleasure to sturdy. Coral is flattering to all skin tones and the proportions are elegant. An inspired gift giving idea! Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 1/8” high, 7/8” wide, tapering to 3/4” wide, 3/8” deep. Ring band is 3/8” at shank tapering to 1/4” at the center back.	$200.00
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