Vintage Zuni Knifewing Inlay Bracelet

The first piece of Zuni Knifewing jewelry is said to have been offered for sale in 1928. The knifewing design entered the Zuni jewelry scene prior to other notable Zuni motifs like the Sun Face and Rainbow Man. 

The Knifewing is eye-catching and unusual as can be. If you've never seen one before, you may find yourself mesmerized by the peculiar and colorful inlay figure.

Once you become more accustomed to figural Zuni inlay, you'll begin to notice the little intricacies from one Knifewing design to the other. According to Toshio Sei, who wrote Knifewing and Rainbow Man in Zuni Jewelry, "it is amazing to see the wide variety of Knifewing and Rainbow Man designs in Zuni mosaic jewelry produced by various artists . . . The creativity of each artist is apparent in this rich variety of unique pieces."

This vintage Zuni Knifewing bracelet is an uncommon design within the mosaic inlay knifewing style. The brilliant stones of blue and green natural turquoise, black jet, white mother of pearl and red spiny oyster make a powerful composition.

When you study other knifewing jewelry, you'll notice how the inlay pattern itself differs from piece to piece. This bracelet has an especially lovely pattern of inlay. Also, notice the silver work. This bracelet has uncommon and imperfect lines of silver feathers. 

Picture wearing this commanding piece of jewelry on your wrist, It's sure to garner some interested looks and perhaps a few questions. 

The bracelet measures 5 1/8" inside plus a 1 1/4" opening. Width is an impressive 2 1/4". Unsigned. It's from the estate of a life-long collector of Native American jewelry. Despite its age, the stones are all still securely set and very stable.

• Vintage Zuni Knifewing bracelet
• Handmade of silver and mosaic inlay stones
• Natural turquoise, red spiny oyster, mother of pearl and jet
• Measures 5 1/8 inside plus 1 1/4" opening. 
• 2 1/4" wide.
• Unsigned