Zuni Inlay Mudhead with Rattle Cuff Bracelet by Augustine & Rosalie Pinto

ca 1970

5"length + 1" gap x 2.75" width

Augustine Pinto (1921–2002) and Rosalie Pinto were renowned Zuni silversmiths active from the 1950s to the 1970s, celebrated for their mastery of mosaic inlay jewelry. As husband and wife, they worked collaboratively, signing their pieces with the hallmark "ARP" above "ZUNI NM." They were among the last Zuni artisans to craft jewelry entirely by hand, without electricity, using fine files to shape and fit gemstones like turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, and jet. Their work often featured intricate, three-dimensional designs of cultural figures such as Mudhead Kachinas, Apache Dancers, Shalako figures, and Gan Dancers, set against backgrounds like tortoise shell or jet.

Their mosaic inlay technique, inspired by Zuni artisan Teddy Weahkee, involved fitting stones together like a puzzle without silver channels, creating lightweight yet fragile pieces. Their jewelry, including bolo ties, rings, necklaces, and cuffs, is considered rare and highly collectible, often commanding high prices at auctions and galleries