Belt, A Vintage, Buckle, Inlay, Novelty, Hereford Bull, Helen & Lincoln Zunie, Vintage ‘70s, 580

BOLD BUCKLE BY SOUGHT AFTER ARTISANS.

This work of art was crafted by renowned Zuni husband and wife, Helen and Lincoln Zunie; their work is highly coveted and collectible. The impressive inlay of a Hereford bull is made using mother of pearl, turquoise, orange spiny oyster, and black onyx, set in heavy silver. The artists added dimensionality and texture to the buckle with sterling silver accents of twist wire and prairie grasses. The strap is vintage leather with traditional tooling. 

Lincoln Zunie (1938-1983, Zuni). Active 1960s-1970s. Channel inlay; figural inlay, often horse or cow motifs.  Father of Patty Zunie Edaakie. Brother of Joe and William Zunie. Lincoln Zunie shared the stamp with his wife Helen Zunie (d). 

• Helen and Lincoln Zunie were master silversmiths specializing in pictorial inlay work.

Mark: H-L ZUNIE

Helen Zunie (? - 2008; Zuni). Active 1960s - 1970s. Channel inlay, figural inlay, often horse or cow motifs. Helen Zunie shared the stamp with her husband, Lincoln Zunie.

Mark: H - L  ZUNIE

• artist: Helen and Lincoln Zunie (both deceased)
• affiliation: Zuni
• hallmarks: H-L Zunie
• materials: sterling silver, mother of pearl, turquoise, orange spiny oyster, onyx, leather strap
• measurements: buckle: 3" x 2 1/4", strap: 34"
• weight: buckle only: 66 grams
• no stone chips or hairline fractures
• stone abrasions commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina 
• light wear
• style: Belt-580