Belt, Inlay, Angus Steer Profile, Lincoln & Helen Zunie, Vintage, 551

BUCKLE UP, COWGIRL!

This beautiful vintage buckle is the work of renowned jewelry artisan couple Helen & Lincoln Zunie, well known for their inlay work, usually in cow and horse motifs. Dating back to the 1970s, the rectangular buckle features an iteration of a beefy black angus bull crafted in chip inlay style using stones of turquoise, mother of pearl, black onyx, and red coral, set in sterling silver and flanked by accenting nuggets of turquoise and coral. The vintage strap is a vintage tooled black leather in a traditional western foliate motif. The signature inlay of these late artisans has begun to be recognized and sought after posthumously, so their work will be collectors.

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 Auie shared the stamp with her husband, Lincoln Zunie.

Mark: H - L  ZUNIE

• artist: Helen & Lincoln Zunie
• affiliation: Zuni
• hallmarks: H-L Zunie
• materials: sterling silver, turquoise, onyx, mother of pearl
• measurements: buckle: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2", strap: 28"
• weight: buckle: 43 grams
• nice vintage condition
• stones are secure in their settings
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina 
• wear from use
• style: Belt-551