Zuni 1 1/4" slender dangle EARRINGS. Sterling, TURQUOISE, oyster shell Mother buy of Pearl. Artisan crafted wearable art. BoHo chic.

DESCRIPTION:
Flash of turquoise, movement, a hint of glint and glow from the mother of pearl, slender, easy eye-catching elegance...you will love these earrings. Zuni artisan hand crafted using the traditional inlay method that is the signature of Zuni jewelry art. Each stone and shell piece is hand cut and polished to fit flawlessly into the pattern...an exacting craft. This kind of vintage quality is why we love it so much... precious metal, handmade artisan craftsmanship and distinctive design. You will love these earrings.

***MORE INFO BELOW DESCRIPTION.

WEIGHT:
2.3 grams.

SIZE / MEASUREMENTS:
1 1/4 inches x 3/8 inch.

MARKINGS / HALLMARKS:
Unmarked, tests as sterling.

MATERIALS:
Sterling silver, natural turquoise, mother of pearl oyster shell.

CONDITION:
Beautiful vintage condition with only minor indications of prior use and the light surface burnish on the metal expected in a piece of this age. I clean vintage pieces by gently washing with dish soap (vintage patina is good, vintage dirt and germs are bad!) Then I usually give a quick surface buff with a silver cleaning cloth to bring up the contrast, leaving the natural patina of age in the details to enhance its beauty.

GIFT BOX INCLUDED, ready to give or just to enjoy!

OPTIONAL SHIPPING UPGRADE : I ship fast, usually the day you order, using USPS FIRST CLASS MAIL (1-5 days ), but for an additional cost you can purchase an upgrade to PRIORITY MAIL (1-3 days) at checkout if you wish.

***FREE SHIPPING INSURANCE ON INTERNATIONAL ORDERS*** :)

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MORE ABOUT THE ZUNI:
The Zuni, who are classified as Pueblo people, are one of many Southwest American Indian tribes. Most Zuni people live in an area called the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico which is on the Zuni River (a tributary of the Little Colorado River). This area encompasses approximately 450,000 acres 150 miles west of Albuquerque.

Zuni Indian Culture Facts;
•It is believed the Zuni people have inhabited New Mexico for approximately 4000 years.
The Zuni River Valley (in New Mexico and Arizona), is home to just 19 original tribes, one of which are the Zuni Indians.
•The Zuni people are known for their beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry which they started creating in the late 19th century.
•The word Pueblo comes from the Spanish settlers who, in the 1500's, encountered the Southwest Indians and called their towns pueblos.
•The Zuni people have largely remained self-contained, relying primarily on their people and avoiding outside influences. They are a tribe that has benefitted from remaining neutral, keeping to themselves and living in close proximity to one another. To this day, the Zuni Indians have greatly preserved their way of life.
•The Zuni are a very religious, peaceful and non-threatening tribe. Their lives revolve around a series of religious ceremonies to mark specific events throughout their lives. The four most significant celebrations in the Zuni's life are birth, coming of age for boys and girls, marriage, and death.
•Zuni religion is centered around three main gods Sun Father, Earth Mother, and Moonlight-Giving Mother. There are numerous other spirits (katsinas) in their religion.

HISTORY OF ZUNI SOCIETY:
Zuni history dates back to prehistoric times. Historians believe the Zuni moved into western New Mexico before 2500 BC. The first people to inhabit the area hunted big game. After 2500 BC, they hunted small game and made the first attempts at agriculture. The Zuni language is believed to be more than 7,000 years old.

The Zuni Indians have been making beautiful weaved baskets and pottery since 700 A.D. The tribe constructed complex and elaborate villages with plaza-like city centers. During what the buy tribe describes as the “Pueblo period” population of Zuni Indians boomed and prehistoric towns were constructed in the Zuni River Valley.

The Zuni Indians still live in their ancestral homelands, which they've had to defend against Spaniard colonists who tried to force Christianity upon the tribe. In 1848, New Mexico and Zuni became part of the United States and the tribe signed treaties allowing Zuni Indians to expand agriculture, jewelry making and trade with other tribes as well as outsiders.

Zuni jewelry and pottery is still a major part of trade for the tribe as well as tourism. Thousands of visitors travel to northeastern New Mexico every year to see the ancient dwellings and learn more about the Zuni Indians.