SILVER NECKLACE ZUNI-EFFIE CALAVAZA

• Sterling silver oxidized and polished snake necklace with chunky turquoise 22" L
• Pendant measures .5"H x 3"L
• 5- 11.5x8mm chunky turquoise
  
• Necklace measures 22" in length but can be linked shorter
  
• Stamped (sterling silver)
  
• Artist is Effie Calavaza
  
• Zuni artist
• December birthstone

Native American Jewelry
~Stones genuine
~Signed pieces
~Our pilgrimage to the reservations

Audrey and Karl have been personally visiting the Navajo Reservation for almost 3 decades. They meet with Native American artists and as jewelers themselves they hand pick and inspect each piece to make sure the stones and craftsmanship are only of the finest level for their clients. Art gallery H prides it’s self on offering the highest quality jewelry which is always a cut above and individually signed by the artist.

Taking care of your jewelry: This piece of sterling silver jewelry is oxidized high polished and not sealed. It will naturally patina over time which gives it a duller sheen. If you want more of the high polished look we recommend our Jewelry Polishing Cloth in accessories.

Effie Calavaza

The work of Effie Calavaza is easily identified by her recurring symbolism of the snake and resurrection. While some cultures my recoil from snakes, there is a few that give the animal a significantly different meaning. The snake is often represented as a symbol of resurrection and rebirth. In Zuni belief, the snake is a positive sign that typically means renewal and life.

Many experts agree that this has to do with the ritualistic and biological way in which snakes shed their skin when they have outgrown it. In a metaphysical sense, some Native tribes believe that this process occurs in people as well, not just the physical aspects of growing older but also gaining knowledge and learning more about life and nature.

Best known for her distinct silver snake and turquoise design, Effie Calavaza started working in the mid-1950s and learned the art from her husband, Juan Calavaza. Keeping the tradition, Effie has since passed the skill on to her daughters Georgiana Yatsatti, Gloria Jean Garcia, and Susie Calavaza.

TURQUOISE