Zuni Knife Winged Dancer Inlay Pin by Bowman Paywa

ca 1940

2 7/8" x 2 7/8"

Bowman Paywa (23 February 1913–24 January 2001)

Private Estate Jewelry

Excellent Condition

Bowman Paywa (1913–2001) was a renowned Zuni artist from Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, celebrated for his exceptional work in Native American jewelry, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. He specialized in intricate inlay techniques, creating pieces such as pins, brooches, and bolos featuring traditional Zuni motifs like the Knifewing and Rainbow Dancer Kachina. His work often incorporated materials like turquoise, spiny oyster, black onyx, and mother-of-pearl, set in sterling silver, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship that earned him recognition as a master jeweler. Paywa collaborated closely with his wife, Louise Paywa, who contributed silverwork to their pieces. Their jewelry, often unsigned, is distinguished by high-quality inlay and unique design elements, such as starred raindrop patterns, setting their work apart from contemporaries like Julalita Lamy. Paywa’s pieces are considered museum quality and are highly sought after by collectors, with examples featured in publications like Zuni: The Art and the People and Gregory Schaaf’s American Indian Jewelry III. His contributions to Zuni artistry have left a lasting legacy, with works preserved in institutions like the Albuquerque Museum. Beyond jewelry, Paywa was a cultural figure in the Zuni community, sharing insights on Zuni traditions, including ceremonial practices and medicine societies, as documented in a 1967 oral history interview.