Vintage Zuni Pitkin Natewa Inlay Owl Squash Blossom Necklace and Earring Set

This rare and whimsical Zuni set is a masterpiece of figurative inlay, handcrafted by renowned Zuni artist Pitkin Natewa. Each of the ten blossoms and the central Naja features a charming owl motif, meticulously inlaid with a classic Zuni palette: vibrant turquoise for the bodies, creamy mother-of-pearl for the faces, and accents of deep red coral and jet for the eyes and features. The owls are set into smooth sterling silver frames, showcasing the precision stonework that defines the Natewa style.

Pitkin Natewa, often working with his wife Wanda, is celebrated for creating one-of-a-kind jewelry that stood out during the Native American silver renaissance of the 1970s. While Zuni jewelry is often geometric, Natewa's owl designs are highly collectible for their personality and expert execution of the mosaic inlay technique. The necklace is strung on traditional sterling silver bench beads, and the matching earrings are perfectly scaled to complement the intricate details of the squash blossoms.

• Artist: Pitkin Natewa (Zuni)
• Materials: Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Mother of Pearl, Coral, Jet
• Necklace Weight: approximately 3.5 to 4.0 oz
• Necklace Length: 24 inches total (12-inch drop)
• Naja Dimensions: 1.90" H x 1.56" W
• Blossom Count: 10 inlaid owl blossoms
• Earring Dimensions: 0.84" H x 0.54" W
• Earring Weight: 0.14 oz (combined)

Care: Store in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box away from direct sunlight and moisture. Polish gently with a silver cloth to maintain shine.

Pitkin Natewa's work is prized for its Old Style Zuni charm. Finding a complete matching set featuring his iconic owl motif is a significant find for collectors of 20th-century Indigenous American art.