Bracelet c. 1930s

This bracelet was crafted by a Zuni artist, also known as A'shiwi, using silver and turquoise. The Zuni are renowned for their intricate silverwork and use of meticulously shaped gemstones, and this bracelet is a superb example. Consider the time and skill required to create this piece: each turquoise element has been individually cut and set into a precisely wrought silver frame. The matrix of repeated forms creates a shimmering effect, as the turquoise stones catch the light. The bracelet’s overall impact results from this tension between repetition and variation, order and slight asymmetry. The labor-intensive nature of Zuni jewelry reflects a deep cultural value placed on craftsmanship and attention to detail. But we might also consider that, for many Native American artists, jewelry making has historically been a vital source of income, with pieces like this traded and sold to a global market. Examining such works through the lens of craft, labor, and economic exchange reveals a rich and complex story beyond their immediate aesthetic appeal.