1940s Zuni Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet set with Clusters of Natural American Turquoise. This bracelet is incredibly special as it is signed by the Zuni silversmith, Dena Bewanika, which is very rare for pieces from this time period.
Dena Bewanika was featured in John Adair’s 1946 book, Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths, where he attempted to list all the Zuni silversmiths producing jewelry in the early 1940s. Dena, born in 1910, was interviewed by Adair in the 1940s. He described her as an, “independent woman, living on her own very young as a cook at the Indian School. Old style work - easily confused with Navajo. Married to Harold Tucson, Jack Bobelu and Sol Yuselew.” Such biographical details are rarely available for early Zuni artists and incredible to find. We are pleased to include two photos of Dena Bewanika with her work.
- Source: ATADA News Publication, Winter 2015
2.875” Cuff Width
6.125” Inside Measurement, plus 1.375” opening
(7.5" Total Circumference - Extra-Large)