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Zuni rainbow man pin

Offered by: Marcy Burns American Indian Arts LLC

Description
With encouragement by CG Wallace and a prehistoric tradition of mosaic inlay, the silversmiths and lapidaries at Zuni began making jewelry with channel and mosaic inlay in the 1930s.

It is difficult to assign a maker to this pin because jewelry of this period was not signed. However, it clearly was made by one of the great Zuni artists.

This brooch is much larger than most of the pins made at Zuni. This is also something that makes this pin very desirable.

The rainbow god design is one of the most sought-after designs by buyers of Southwestern Indian jewelry. It is a traditional design but it was also a design that the traders liked, because their customers liked it and purchased it.

Lauris Phillips, an early collector and highly respected dealer of Zuni jewelry, told me many years ago that the Zuni believe that the rainbow god pin should be worn horizontally, in the same manner as the pin backing is placed, because "the good luck is held in the center of the figure and you don't want the good luck to spill out". Thus, the design encourages harmony.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1900-1949
Materials:	mosaic inlay on silver
Condition:	Good. excellent condition
Styles / Movements:	American Indian
Dealer Reference #:	j1949
Incollect Reference #:	354613

Message from Seller:

Marcy Burns American Indian Arts LLC, located at 520 East 72nd Street in New York City, specializes in antique American Indian basketry, textiles, pottery, and jewelry, including Native American and Classic Designer pieces from Taxco, Mexico. With over 30 years of experience, Marcy Burns offers expert consultation, appraisals, and full warranties on the objects it sells. Reach them at 212-439-9257 or info@marcyburns.com.