Just like the Navajo, the Native American Zuni tribe has a culture, history, and belief system all their own. All these elements contribute to their art and jewelry making techniques that have been shaped and formed over hundreds of years into what people see today.
One key difference between Zuni and other tribe’s art is the use of multiple stones and even proportions in their Zuni silver turquoise bracelets. Unlike the Navajo, that like to feature their stone exclusively, the Zuni create pieces that are more well-proportioned and typically feature smaller and smoother stones through their refinement process.
Another common practice with Zuni silver turquoise bracelets is the continued use of symbolism. One of the most commonly used symbols, for example, is the snake. Usually a sign of misfortune, in Native American culture, the snake is seen as a sign of good luck and rebirth. Using symbolism in Native jewelry can take on many different forms. For instance, the artist can use different colored stones to create the image of a snake on Zuni silver turquoise bracelets. Another method would be to shape the metal setting into a snake as well.
Using these different practices, techniques, and symbols, Zuni artists and their work can easily be spotted from their use of turquoise and coral, through vivid imagery in the metal, stone clustering, and evenly proportioned metal and stones in the settings.
This combination of elements makes for stunning Zuni silver turquoise bracelets. It allows all these skills to come together as one, instead of being overpowered by the stone or the settings. This way, people can have a much more balanced piece; if that’s the style they are going for.
Zuni artists have come a long way and are even breaking through into the contemporary art world. Their traditional pieces are also stunning and can be easily identified by the above elements.