703

Zuni Signed Sleeping Beauty Cross Necklace

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Zuni Signed Sleeping Beauty Cross Necklace
Advertising, Firearms, Antiques, Collectibles, Antique Furniture, Native American Artifacts, Navajo Jewelry, Silver, Gold, Montana History Artifacts, Navajo Indian Rugs, Taxidermy Mounts, Slot Machines, Cash Registers, Early Chinese Artifacts.
Included in this lot is a signed H. Iule, Zuni, Sleeping Beauty turquoise inlay cross necklace. As early as 1944, when John Adair’s groundbreaking study of Southwest Native American silver working was published, titled “The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths”, Horace Iule had achieved a level of success that enabled him to rely upon his craft for his livelihood. Identified by Adair as, “one of the two or three best artisans in the pueblo,” Iule taught silversmithing at Zuni’s government-funded day school, thus influencing an entire generation of silver workers. A third-generation silversmith, whose grandfather Hatsetsenane (or Sneezing Man) was, according to Adair, “one of the first generation of Zuni smiths,” Iule initially trained as a blacksmith at the Phoenix Indian School. Iule learned silversmithing from his father after completing his education and returning to the pueblo in 1924. Horace worked with his wife Lupe Iule, who was from San Felipe Pueblo. They were married in 1933 and had six children: Ruby, Lupe, Cecilia, Robert, Barney, and Phillip. Known for his mastery of silver casting, Horace Iule was one of the first Zunis to produce the mythological Knife-Wing figure in silver. He is best known today for his cast work crosses. This piece features a sterling silver cross with seven Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochons inlaid. The back is signed "H. Iule" from the artist Horace Iule. This piece is in great condition, showing some natural patina on the silver. The cross measures 2" by 1 1/8”. The chain unclasped measures 24" long.