Zuni Nora Leekity signed Pronghorn Antelope Bolo Mosaic Inlay "Book Piece" Great

Description

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I'm offering for your consideration an extraordinary, so beautiful, Zuni bolo by Nora Leekity, in the form of the head of a pronghorn antelope in rounded and flush mosaic inlay in beautifully selected, hand buffed and set stones made of yellow lip shell, abalone shell, brown shell, white mother of pearl, turquoise, spondylus shell and jet. Part of the striking aspect is that it is beautifully drawn, with correct conformation, so it's realistic and part is that the choice of stones was perfect, with the natural gradations in color of the spondylus being used to perfection and the inlay work is masterful too and very detailed, perfectly inlaid and with creative choice of colors. Everything about this piece is top notch. This is an example of a less known Zuni silversmith who was a master of the craft and also created innovative and exceptionally beautiful pieces. I find everything about this antelope to be perfect. He's a fabulous antelope. The image has appeared in a book, in the form of a pin and the author attributed to the same artist, possibly copying my information, since this piece is signed. This is so beautiful!
The pronghorn is the only American antelope. Antelopes don't shed their horns, which are made of modified hair and the pronghorn is the only antelope with branched horns. I confused him with a deer but he is not a deer. He's a dear antelope, though!
He is 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" in size, which is quite large, without being overwhelming. The tips are a good size for him at 2-1/4" and are original, nice old tips. The tie measures about 37" end to end with the tips included; it's still in good condition. The bolo is signed by the artist in etched signature and also for Zuni, but not for silver content, which is usual for that period of time. It is sterling silver. It's in superb vintage and collectible condition. There may be a hairline I couldn't find even under loupe inspection, but if so it would be minimal and there's nothing that would endanger the integrity of the piece. It's in excellent vintage condition.The Bennett is one that dates the piece between 1967 and 1983. The use of the shells is creative and exceptional. The yellow lip shell is creamy looking and rounded. There is brown shell and abalone too and tiny dot inlay for the nose and the eye of turquoise. The horns are graceful and flush inlay of both jet and brown shell. There is spondylus shell and blue turquoise and yellow lip mother of pearl shell as a collar to the antelope. The silver work is also splendid applied stamped starlike raindrops applied to frame the collar and stampng down the neck, for the mane. True creative artistry creates the three dimensionality and realism of this piece. This is gorgeous.
This is an exceptionally exquisite antelope, a form I haven't before seen in person though it appears in a book and I think it's a rare and wonderful example of Zuni artistry, important and museum worthy. The quality of the work is superb.
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Returns will be accepted for 30 days after your receipt for any reason and without question. Please let me know if you would like to return something. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I'll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.
When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.