Native American, Zuni, Navajo, and/or Pueblo, ca. 20th century CE. A pretty ensemble of 4 silver and turquoise rings. Signed by the famous Zuni jewelry artist Effie C. Calavaza (1927-2019), the largest features a snake with turquoise and coral inlays - a signature style of Calavaza. The other 3 rings feature an eagle motif, a feather design, and a simple raised ovoid bezel surrounded by star or flower-shaped stamps. Size of largest (snake by Effie Calavaza): 1.25" L x 1" W x 1.25" H (3.2 cm x 2.5 cm x 3.2 cm); US ring sizes: snake: 10.25, eagle: 8, feathers: 11.5, stamped flowers/stars: 9; silver quality: 92-94%; total weight: 56.9 grams

Calavaza started silversmithing in 1956 and learned the art from her husband, Juan. Her signature style depicts snakes winding around large gemstones - most commonly turquoise, coral, and onyx - set in sand cast silver pieces including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches, and belt buckles. Snakes are an important symbol in Zuni healing and fertility rituals. Experts in Native American art consider her an influential, prolific, and classic Zuni jewelry artist and her work is carried in jewelry galleries around the world.

Provenance: private Carpinteria, California, USA collection, acquired before 1990

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#191054

    Condition:
  • The snake ring is signed "Effie C. / Zuni" on the verso of the bezel/ the interior of the ring. All have some light expected age wear as shown, but are otherwise intact, wearable, and in excellent overall condition.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
January 30, 2025 8:00 AM MST
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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