Zuni Early Museum Attr David Tsikewa Knifewing Bracelet Abalone Jet Mosaic Inlay

Description

Welcome!
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT IT: This is an amazing, significant and wonderful masterpiece early bracelet attributed with some confidence to David Tsikewa, ornately worked in silver with multitudes of stamped raindrops, flattened twisted wires, hand stamping, and a very large
knifing
figure inlaid with a unique stone combination in which the abalone flashes to red abalone, serving as two of the four sacred colors, and with jet contrasting with the abalone and wonderful clean turquoise. The colors flash and sing and take on a life of their own and the work is absolute perfection. Two small jet pieces had come out and were perfectly restored by the great silversmith, Michael Schmaltz. If I didn't tell you, you'd never know that work had been done. The piece is in perfect condition and is magnificent. I wear it with a very old ring which has the same coloration. I've only seen that color combination in those two pieces! The ring is not being offered at this time.
BACKGROUND: David Tsikewa was one of the great master artists, one of the most important in Zuni history, who did work for and was collected by CG Wallace and whose work was collected by Wallace and included in the Sotheby's collection. He was one of the absolute best and his best work is very highly valued, was included in the best museums and galleries as well. He worked in the mosaic inlay or overlay style prior to his marriage to Mary Weahkee, the daughter of Teddy Weahkee. He worked from the late 1930s to the 1970s and this piece is estimated to the 1930s to 1940s. I'm attributing it based on numerous pieces I've owned. Several aspects of this design of the knifewing figure are well documented in his work. But there is nothing anywhere like this knifewing figure, the astounding colors and the amazingly ornate silver work.
CONDITION: excellent
wearable, collectible, vintage by one of the great Zuni silversmiths with imperceptible repair, and a few crazings visible in the jet in a leg under magnification.
MEASUREMENTS:
• width at center 2.5", tapering to 3/4"
• internal length silver alone 5-13/16"; gap of 1", total 6-13/16". Note that usually a large width like this requires a slightly larger length in a bracelet.
• weight is significant at 85.53grams
• unmarked for silver content which is usual for those times but it is guaranteed to be sterling silver
• unsigned by the artist but it is confidently attributed to the great David Tsikewa, Zuni
SUMMARY: The choice of stones is bold, rare and wondrous. This is a bracelet you can see in your mind forever after viewing it; it doesn't leave you. It is so gorgeous and it elevates your mood to wear it and to own it. It's just a spectacular David Tsikewa bracelet, possibly the best he ever made. As masterpieces and collectibles go, you can't do better. It is a great treasure. I had to pay for it so if you love it, too, you will have to pay for it, too. But I guarantee it would be three times the price in the galleries and that you will never regret owning it. It is unique and it is exquisite.
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Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.