Zuni: A Village of Silversmiths

More than a guide to technique and design, this insiders' view of Zuni silverwork offers a fascinating window into Zuni culture. The authors examine Zuni silversmithing as an expression of cultural values and aesthetics and explore the relationships between jewelers and traders. They trace the history of jewelry at Zuni since Anasazi times. Using examples by more than twenty contemporary Zuni artists, they describe the techniques of casting, clusterwork, petitpoint, needlepoint, mosaic, overlay, and inlay for which Zuni jewelry is famous as well as nontraditional styles using new materials and techniques. Also included are several interviews in which Zunis discuss the aesthetics and history of silversmithing.

Published in cooperation with the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico

James Ostler established the Pueblo of Zuni Arts and Crafts enterprise.

Marian Rodee was curator of southwestern ethnology at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico. She is retired and is now a research associate at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe.