Zuni Pueblo Sterling Silver Broach

Late 20th Century

3.875" L x .5" W

Hand Crafted from Sterling Silver Manta Pin with 25 Snake Eye Turquoise Stones

In Very Good Condition

Zuni Pueblo sterling silver broaches are exquisite examples of Native American jewelry from the Zuni people in New Mexico. Renowned for intricate stonework rather than heavy silver stamping (common in Navajo pieces), these brooches often feature Petit point or needlepoint: Tiny, uniformly cut turquoise stones (often round or pointed) set individually in bezels, creating delicate clusters or patterns. Channel inlay: Precisely cut stones like turquoise, coral, jet, mother-of-pearl, or spiny oyster shell fitted seamlessly into silver channels for mosaic designs. Popular motifs: Sunface (representing the Zuni kachina spirit), butterflies, birds (e.g., hummingbirds or peyote birds), owls, turtles, or floral/geometric patterns.

Provenance:  From the Len and Toni Wood Private Collection, Laguna Beach, California