Special Collections: Birds, Beasts and Blooms for Springtime

For Springtime, we thought we'd show some (mostly) fanciful, (mostly) Zuni pieces from the Jack and Jo Schiffman collection. Hopefully, these will bring you a smile as we move towards summer.

Two very artistic couples who were partners in art as well as life are very well-represented here, the Benns (Virgil and Shirley) and the Sheykas (Porfilio and Ann). Virgil and Shirley Benn are some of the best-known living Zuni inlay artists, though currently they are in semi-retirement and only working part-time. Virgil is of mixed Zuni and Paiute parentage, while Shirley is Hopi-Tewa, and the great-granddaughter of the famous potter Nampeyo (and also the stepdaughter of legendary Zuni inlay artist Leo Poblano). Porfilio and Ann Sheyka started working together in 1961, and before Porfilio's death in 1982 they produced some of the most creatively made animals ever seen at Zuni. Ann continued to work after his death, and many of the pieces attributed to him or both of them were probably made by Ann alone.

As always, these pieces will be sold on a first come, first served basis, so if you see something that is of interest please contact us by phone or email as soon as possible.

For questions, please email us or call at (480) 423-8777.

Currently in stock ...

Zuni inlaid cardinal pin by Porfilio and Ann Sheyka (hallmarked), c. 1960s. Is there anything prettier than a cardinal in the garden? 2 3/4" long. $395 (PI JO/947) Inquire/Order

 Zuni channel inlay belt buckle with an eagle by Porfilio and Ann Sheyka (hallmarked), c. 1970. O'er the ramparts he watched....3" wide, takes up to a 1 1/2" belt. $695 (BU JO/941) Inquire/Order Large pin/pendant with flower by Virgil and Shirley Benn (hallmarked), c. 1980s. A beautiful departure from the Benn's wonderful critters, here is a lily that any gardener would be proud to grow. 3 3/4" high. SOLD (PI JO/2323) Inquire/Order

Zuni flower ring, signed "Patsy Spencer Indian Hand Made 3/77". A nice daffodil, 1 3/4" high. Size 7 (can be sized). $250 (R JO/414) Inquire/Order

 A Zuni cockatoo pin, c. 1980, with a proud bird on his perch with carved wings and a silver crest. 4" long. $395 (PI JO/2286) Inquire/Order Zuni petitpoint bolo in the form of a peacock, c. 1950s. Pert, pretty, perky and precise. 4 1/2" long. $795 (BO JO/212) Inquire/Order

Zuni double hummingbird pin, c. 1970s. Absolutely charming, and amazing that two hummingbirds can get this close without fighting over a tasty flower. 3" x 2 3/8". $495 (PI JO/2104) Inquire/Order

 Zuni channel inlay swan pin, c. 1970. Straight from the pond of the Boston Common to you, made of mother of pearl. 2" x 1 1/2". $250 (PI JO/1402) Inquire/Order Zuni songbird ring, c. 1980s. Probably sings very sweetly, but only in the Zuni language. 1 3/8" high, size 7 1/2 (can be sized). $125 (R JO/427) Inquire/Order

Zuni wolf pin/pendant by Virgil and Shirley Benn (hallmarked), c. 1980s. A fabulous vignette from nature, with the lone wolf howling at the moon. 3" long. SOLD (PI JO/2330) Inquire/Order

 Zuni hummingbird and songbird necklace by Porfilio and Ann Sheyka (hallmarked), c. 1970s. A school of songbirds serenading a hungry hummingbird. Straight length 29 1/2", naja measures 3 1/2" wide. $2500 (N JO/804) Inquire/Order Zuni owl bolo by Porfilio and Ann Sheyka (hallmarked), c. 1970. Made from cowrie shell, with matching tips. No word on whether his leftwards glance is a political statement or not. 2 1/2" x 2 3/4". $695 (BO JO/953) Inquire/Order

Zuni-style ring with an inlaid raccoon, hallmarked "S. C. Garcia Laguna", c. 1980s. He's furtively eyeing something, maybe your lunch. 2 1/2" high, size 6 1/2 (can be sized). $395 (R JO/422) Inquire/Order

 Zuni inlaid pin with two parrots, c. 1970. We don't know why one won't face the other, but hopefully they'll work it out. 2 1/2" high. $295 (PI JO/1736) Inquire/Order Zuni inlaid link bracelet and earrings by Elliot Qualo (hallmarked), c. 1970. Shell, coral and turquoise roadrunners set in a wood background--a beautiful aviary, or whatever you call an enclosure for birds that run most of the time. Total length 6 3/4" and 1 1/8" wide, earrings are 1" square and currently clips. $995 (B JO/968) Inquire/Order

Zuni bolo with a channel inlay chipmunk by Porfilio and Ann Sheyka (hallmarked), c. 1970. Or maybe he's a squirrel--either way, he's on the hunt for nuts. 2 1/8" wide. $495 (BO JO/951) Inquire/Order

 Zuni inlaid blue jay pin/pendant by Porfilio and Ann Sheyka (hallmarked), c. 1960s. Blue jays are known to be aggressive, but this one is very sweet. 2 5/16" long. $295 (PI JO/942) Inquire/Order Zuni raccoon pin by Virgil and Shirley Benn (hallmarked), c. 1980. Anyone missing an ear of corn? 2 3/4" x 1 3/8". $495 (PI JO/2327) Inquire/Order

Zuni signet ring with an inlaid eagle and silver snakes, c. 1970s. Size 12 1/2 (can be sized). $195 (R JO/424) Inquire/Order

 Silver and turquoise earrings in the form of a spray of flowers, c. 1960. Not hallmarked, but definitely made at the Thunderbird shop by one of Frank Patania's silversmiths. Currently clips. 1 3/4" high. $495 (E JO/726) Inquire/Order Zuni owl pin by Pablita Quam (hallmarked), c. 1980. The model for Harry Potter's owl, no doubt. 2" high. $250 (PI JO/762) Inquire/Order

Zuni inlaid owl pin/pendant by Porfilio and Ann Sheyka (hallmarked), c. 1970s. The look on his face shows that he's seriously considering how smart wearing an owl pin or bolo can make someone look. 1 7/8" high. $295 (PI JO/1420) Inquire/Order

 Zuni inlaid wolf bolo by Virgil and Shirley Benn (hallmarked), c. 2002. A solemn and serious wolf, but enough of a charmer to win a third prize ribbon at Gallup Intertribal in 2002 (ribbon included). 3 1/2" high. $895 (BO JO/2433) Inquire/Order Zuni-style ring with an inlaid raccoon, hallmarked "L. S. Garcia Laguna", c. 1980s. This one looks surprised to have been caught in the act, of what we're not certain. 2" high, size 6 1/2 (can be sized). $295 (R JO/441) Inquire/Order

Zuni channel inlay necklace with 11 turquoise butterflies, c. 1970s. Hallmarked with a "K". A flutter of butterflies, maybe Mom and the kids out for a fly-by. Hanging length 14 3/4", largest butterfly 2" wide, smaller ones 1 3/8" wide. $1295 (N JO/765) Inquire/Order

 Zuni owl pin by Virgil and Shirley Benn (hallmarked), c. 1970s. Talk about a riveting gaze! 2 7/8" x 2 1/8". $595 (PI JO/757) Inquire/Order Zuni buckle with turquoise, coral and a silver snake by Juan Calavaza (hallmarked), c. 1960. A subtle snake in a coral and turquoise garden. 2 7/8" x 1 7/8", takes up to a 1 3/8" belt. $595 (BU JO/1439) Inquire/Order

Zuni inlaid fox pin/pendant by Virgil and Shirley Benn (hallmarked), c. 1990s. Perfectly captures the essence of a fox who is almost certainly on the hunt for chocolate. 3" high. $595 (PI JO/2328) Inquire/Order

 Zuni ring with a turquoise blue jay, c. 1990. The blue bird of happiness. 1 5/8" high, size 7 (can be sized). $195 (R JO/426) Inquire/Order Pair of silver owls set with agate, c. 1970. Owl and Owl Jr.--the only Navajo pieces in the show. 2 3/4" and 1 7/8" high. $495 (PI JO/761) Inquire/Order

Zuni buckle with turquoise and silver snake by Juan Calavaza (hallmarked), c. 1960s. Tip-toe through the turquoise--this is the way a snake and turquoise buckle should be made. 3 3/4" long, takes up to a 1 1/2" belt. $995 (BU JO/1713) Inquire/Order

 Zuni inlaid parakeet pin, c. 1980. The rarest of things: a quiet parakeet that won't keep you up all night singing. 4" long. $250 (PI JO/2292) Inquire/Order Zuni inlaid pheasant pin/pendant, c. 1980s. A pheasant to phly towards phall, we phigure. 3" x 2". $295 (PI JO/1692) Inquire/Order

A very fine Hopi silver and turquoise necklace by Victor Coochwytewa (hallmarked), c. 1955. Coochwytewa was one of the great early overlay artisans, and this is an extremely ambitious and complex necklace with a hinged main plate and matching drop with green turquoise. Pendant measures 2" wide, necklace is sized for a smaller woman's neck. SOLD (N JO/80) Inquire/Order

 Hopi silver bracelet with birds of prey done in 14K gold overlay by Watson Honanie (hallmarked), c. 1990. Inside size 5 1/2" with a 1" opening, width 13/16", weight 42 grams. $1295 (B JO/1648) Inquire/Order A very stylish double sided Hopi silver overlay pendant by Bernard Dawahoya (hallmarked), c. 1980. A kachina face on one side, and a lovely quail on the other (click on the thumbnail to see both sides). Comes with a handmade silver link chain. 2 1/2" diameter, pendant weight 62 grams. $1295 (PE JO/79) Inquire/Order

Silver and turquoise flower pin, made in the style of the Thunderbird Shop, c. 1950s. Every flower is different. 3 1/2" high. $495 (PI JO/726) Inquire/Order

 Zuni fetish necklace with 22 shell, jet and turquoise bears, c. 1960s. An absolutely charming necklace. Straight length 26 1/2", largest bear measures 1 1/4" long. $1500 (N 1898/A) Inquire/Order Zuni fetish necklace with 53 birds (23 of them the much rarer pedestal birds) and 3 bears, all by Leekya Deyuse, c. 1940s. A rare and important work of art from the greatest and most important Zuni fetish carver. Straight length 23 3/4", central bear measures 1 5/8" long. $9500 (N 1898) Inquire/Order