- Tribe: Zuni Pueblo
- Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition; No Damage
- Size: 22+" long; Main Pendant 3-1/4" x 1-5/8"; Smaller Pendants 2-5/8" x 3/4"
- Artist: Andrew Dewa
- Materials: Turquoise, Jet. Clam Shell, Coral & Sterling Silver
- Item Weight: 65 Grams / over 2-1/4 Ounces
- Date: last quarter of 20th Century
- Hallmark: "A. DEWA" and "ZUNI"
This top quality vintage Native American handmade stone-on-stone mosaic and Sterling silver Antelope kachina (katsina) was created by Zuni Pueblo master lapidary and silversmith Andrew Dewa.
Dewa painstakingly hand cut, shaped and polished, at least, SIXTY-THREE individual pieces of white clam shell, golden clam shell lip, jet, turquoise, and coral to evoke the image of the semi-divine Antelope Kachina. Imagine the concentration of time and effort taken by the artist as they ground down these tiny pieces while attached to the end of a stick on a fast spinning stone. The individual tesera form a mosaic showing the great skill of this artist. Of particular note are the perfectly aligned two part "feathers" and the long thin pieces found throughout the piece. The rule of thumb is: the longer and thinner the piece, the more likely it is to snap during its creation. HOW DID HE DO IT? It is beyond my comprehension! WOW!
If you appreciate truly great Zuni stone on stone inlay, then this is the pin for you. And, if you appreciate beautiful objects of handmade art, then you are doubly sure to love this piece!
ANDREW DEWA (?-2001; ZUNI) Active from the 1960's, Dewa is known for his fabulous stone on stone inlay work. His wife Barbara collaborated with him. He was the brother of Don Dewa.
