Vintage Zuni Hand Beaded Christmas Tree By Larissa Gasper

When you go to the high end department stores, you'll find lots of fine (sometimes mass produced) expensive Christmas ornaments. Few of those ornaments have the heart and soul of Larissa Gasper of Zuni Pueblo here in New Mexico.

Larissa Gasper is one of the premier Zuni beadworkers, and it shows in this fantastic beaded Christmas tree. Notice all of the detail in this little tree handbeaded of colorful seed beads. There's a golden garland draped around the different branches of the gree, blue bows, red and green wreaths, red and white candy canes and a bright red star on top of the tree. At the foot of the tree are two little presents just awaiting delighted children to tear into them.

Like all the other ornaments in this collection, this Christmas tree was part of Native American art dealer Martha Struever's beloved holiday display. Marti was nutty for Christmas and nutty for Zuni beadwork. She'd tell you herself! She collected all kinds of different whimsical beaded Zuni figures and tried to spread the news far and wide about just how great this form of folk artistry is. In fact, Marti made sure that many of her acclaimed art field trips took participants to Zuni so that she could share Zuni bead work with collectors.

During her long career, Marti sold many pieces of Zuni beadwork, but she kept the most exceptional pieces for herself. You can see why this Christmas tree fell into that category.

Let this little tree stand tall as part of your lovely Christmas display this year. You'd do Marti proud!

Tree measures 4 1/4" tall x 1 1/2" wide. and is signed on the base.