Native American Zuni Sterling Silver, Lapis Lazuli and heishi bead 5 strand necklace

Description : A lapidary masterpiece, a family of carved lapis bear fetishes are grouped in an off-center formation amidst the fine cut of heishi beads, and rough nugget beads of lapis in this extraordinary necklace. The amount of time in both the carving of the bears, and the stringing of the 5 heishi strands is extensive. The gem lapis lazuli, literally translated means 'blue rock', and loosely translated means 'wisdom keeper'. The rock's blue pigment was ground into becoming the pigment for ultramarine paints and its signature is the pyrite crystals. Most often found in Afghansitan, lapis is becoming increasingly rare. Heishi beads are tiny beads made from shell that were originally attributed to the Kewa Pueblo people. The rich blue of the lapis, the translucent golden brown of the heishi shell, and the placement of the bears makes this 5 strand necklace a true cultural treasure.

Item Number : 10490-18

Category : NECKLACE

Brand : ZUNI