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| Jewelry |
Indigenous Brilliance
Marisa Bartolucci
05/02/2005
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Veronica Poblano is one artist whose work has evolved in a remarkable direction. Although she comes from a Zuni family of jewelry makers, she did not start making jewelry professionally until she moved from the pueblo to San Diego, fulfilling her lifelong dream of living by the sea. Since moving back to Zuni, her jewelry has taken on an uncommon fluidity. Her torque necklaces and earrings are especially celebrated. A necklace in 14 karat gold, featured at the Totems to Turquoise gift shop, winds its way around and down the wearer’s neck, carrying with it a cascade of Morenci turquoise cabochons. It sells for $10,000.
For those starting a collection, the Wands suggest visiting reputable dealers and attending Native American market shows, where neophytes can also meet the jewelers. “One of the joys is getting to know the artists. It adds personality to the piece,” Richard Wand says. These market shows also host juried competitions. Familiarizing yourself with work by artists who have won ribbons is an excellent way to see what styles and directions the artisan community itself admires.
Today the variety of styles from which to choose is exceptional. Making jewelry has become a way of life for the Navajo and Pueblo peoples, another reason why the jewelry so appeals to Grossman. “When Indians refer to someone who has died,” she notes, “they say, ‘He doesn’t make jewelry any more.’ ”
Marisa Bartolucci lives in New York, where she writes on a variety of
cultural subjects. misab@rcn.com
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