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Key Ideas
The Zuni learned silversmithing from their Diné (Navajo) neighbors.

The Zuni gave greater emphasis to turquoise in their designs.

Northwest Coast Southwest Mississippi Valley Northeast Woodlands Plains

 
Zuni Bracelet
Introduction --
Complex Design
Compare and Contrast
Zuni Bracelet Label: Zuni, Southwest region (United States), Bracelet, about 1950, Silver, turquoise, Bequest of Virginia Doneghy, 90.58.55

The Zuni were Pueblo people who traded with the Diné (Navajo) and learned from them the art of making silver jewelry. The Zuni and the Diné (Navajo) developed their skills in very different ways. Both peoples use turquoise, but the Zuni use it in repetitive patterns that may cover the entire piece of jewelry. In this bracelet, silver serves only as the setting for the stones.

For the Zuni, turquoise contains the two colors that symbolize the essential elements of life - blue of water and green of plant growth.

Acoma Jar Martinez Pot Diné Bracelet Zuni Bracelet Pima Basket Tohono O'odham Basket Diné Wedding Basket Native Amercan History and Culture


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