VTG Silver Multi Stone Inlay Pin Chief Headdress Turquoise MOP Zuni attr. Quam

  
VTG Silver Multi Stone Inlay Pin Chief Headdress Turquoise MOP Zuni attr. This is a classic Zuni-designed multi-stone inlay pin/brooch in the form of a Plains Chief profile with a headdress (head bonnet).

The artist used mother of pearl, jet, turquoise, abalone, spiny oyster shell, cowrie shell and other materials to create this piece. The "eagle feathers" were created using a mosaic inlay technique.

The abalone and other shell pieces were hand carved, while the details of the face were etched. Silver dots frame the pin, and curled silver wire adds to the headdress.

Originally this piece was a bolo tie slide, but was converted to a pin at some later time. The pin is 2 1/4" wide and 3" tall. It weighs 27.5 g. It was likely crafted in the 1950s or 1960s and is attributed to the Quam family of Zuni artisans.

Touch of Turquoise invites you to Wear the West!