Butterflies hold an important place in Angelina Medina's heart. On a recent visit to our Keshi gallery, we had the pleasure to listen to her profound insights and life experiences as an 82-year-old artist. She's also a noted educator who shares words of humanity and the human spirit in her pottery pieces.

"Baby Learning To Fly" celebrates the Butterfly messenger in a handmade clay-work that's contemporary and spiritual. She shared that memories are connected in the work she does. One day on a meditative walk in Zuni to pray and make connection, a gentle monarch butterfly appeared, lingering and dancing around her head. Several more butterflies came and hovered close, which Angelina said was a blessing because they are messengers who carry words to particular beings. Here we see several stunning clay appliqué butterflies who rest near a colorful flower patch as they teach their baby to fly. She said flowers have a purpose in life too, a reason for being, they are important. She traded the yellow and green paints with a fellow potter. A Rainbird element is also beautifully painted on this approximtely 6 7/8" long, 6 7/8" wide and roughly 3 3/4" tall collectible pottery that brightens the day. Signed by the artist.

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Noreen Simplicio's lovely container is ceramic bisque ware, skillfully painted with ceramic paints. The 2-piece set is decorated with an airy Butterfly who is a messenger of new beginnings, emerging after a long winter. Noreen says the scenes depicted stress the universal harmony that should be maintained among all living things. About 3 1/2" long, 3 1/2" wide and 2 1/2" tall including lid. Signed by the artist.

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The labor intensive tufa cast jewelry method is how these gorgeous Dragonfly earrings came to be, handmade by Joel Pajarito. After cutting a tufa stone in half, smoothing out both surface sides and carving a sprue hole on top, he skillfully carved in reverse, creating a mirror image of the final design. Molten sterling silver is poured in the one of a kind cast. For pierced ears, these medium-weight adornments are about 1" long, 3/4" wide and 1/8" deep. Signed by the artist. View item

Gloria Chattin's double-sided Corn-Maidens are carved from a naturally convex spiny oyster shell incised with growing Corn and Dragonfly elements. Overlaid disc accents are from lively red coral, lapis lazuli and turquoise. The curvaceous Corn Maidens with jet facial features are permanently attached to a lovely base from turquoise along with crushed turquoise to represent water. About 2 1/2" tall, 1 1/2" wide and 1" deep, measurements include the base. View item

Claudia Peina's carved turquoise Corn-Maiden pendant is a wearable story of the deep connection to life-giving corn for the A:Shiwi (Zuni). They were farmers growing corn as a sustenance crop. Planted and harvested today, corn is called The Mother because it’s cultivated from Mother Earth. The traditional way corn is used acknowledges it as a gift and blessing from the Creator. Including the silver bale, dimensions are about 2" long, 5/8" wide and 3/8" deep. Facial features are from jet paste and coral. An inlaid necklace is from red coral as well. View item

Zuni jeweler Tracey Bowekaty is beloved for carved corn jewelry. For the A:Shiwi (Zuni) corn is an ancient crop still planted and harvested today. It is called The Mother because it’s cultivated from Mother Earth. Tracey selected iridescent gold lip shell and inlaid colorful pieces of turquoise, alunite, jet and malachite. A gorgeous setting from sterling silver husks and three ball elements adorn these approximately 3/4" wide and 1" tall lightweight earrings. Signed by the artist. View item

Magnificent macaws are Mother Earth's living rainbows. Their brilliant plumage ranges from fiery reds to vibrants blues and sunny yellows, making them one of the most stunning feathered friends in the animal kingdom. Derrick and Nichelle Edaakie's wonderful macaw pendant is created in the challenging overlay inlay jewelry technique. This is where a top piece of sterling silver was laboriously sawed out to leave a negative space of design. Another piece of silver was annealed to it. Stones and shells were then meticulously inlaid bringing the artful scene to life framed by a stunning sky blue turquoise border. Other colorful materials include lapis lazuli, iridescent gold lip shell, mother-of-pearl, pen shell and dazzling abalone. Including the bale, dimensions are about 1 7/8" long and 1 1/8" wide. Signed by the artists. View item

The exquisitely carved blooms on Shannon Waatsa's fresh floral necklace tell a story of Zuni sunshine, blessings of rainfall and the gentle touch of the winds that brought them to be. She started carving in 2016. Each bead on this collectible and reversible necklace is incredibly handmade. Colorful materials include red abalone, iridescent mother-of-pearl, turquoise, black lip shell, gold lip shell and pink mussel shell, with lovely center inlays. Bring a splash of joy into any room wearing this unique necklace that's about 22 3/8" long. The center posy is about 2 1/8" long, 2 1/4" wide and 3/8" deep. The largest side flowers measure approximately 5/8" long and 5/8" wide, while the smallest ones are about 1/4" long and 1/4" wide. The sterling silver squash blossom tips are about 5/8" long.

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Owl is a feathered shadow in the night with an ethereal presence. Eric Lonjose's silent observer, with alert eyes from jet paste in colorful turquoise, is carved from pink opal which is sometimes called the stone of divine love because it's said to promote compassion towards oneself and others. We're admiring the various feather details intricately incised on this approximately 2 7/8" tall, 1 3/4" wide and roughly 1 3/4" deep nocturnal guardian.

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Ravens are teachers and agents of change for many Indigenous cultures. An interactive species, they astonish with extraordinary intelligence. For example, Ravens and Wolves hunt cooperatively. Through loud calls, ravens alert wild canines to potential prey lending a hand in finding food that both creatures will share.

Longtime Zuni artist Herbert Halate's rich jet fetish pendant necklace and earrings set honors the beauty of ravens (or crows). He's been carving since 1972. Each corvid has a unique personality, lightly texturized plumage and sensitive eyes from turquoise inlays. The reversible necklace with fine turquoise beads is in the neighborhood of 28" long, while the center bird pendant has flown in at approximately 1 1/2" long, 2 7/8" wide and 1/2" deep. The smallest bird is about 5/8" long from top to bottom, 2 1/4" wide from beak to tail and 3/8" deep. The largest feathered friend is roughly 5/8" long from top to bottom, 2 7/8" wide from beak to tail and 1/2" deep. The reversible lightweight dangle earrings are about 2" long including turquoise beads and hooks, 2 1/8" wide and 3/8" deep. Herbert's jewelry is elegantly carved and strung so don't miss this 3-piece collector's set. Signed by the artist.

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Embrace your uniqueness with Tracey Bowekaty's carved corn wrist adornment. She's been making corn jewelry since 1992. For the A:Shiwi (Zuni), corn is an ancient sacred grain called The Mother because it’s cultivated from Mother Earth. Colorful pieces of alunite, turquoise, malachite, pen shell, coral and lapis lazuli adorn the iridescent gold lip shell kernels. Each sterling silver setting has husks and three ball elements on this gorgeous handmade link bracelet that measures approximately 8 3/4" long, 7/8" wide and 1/8" tall. Signed by the artist.

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Spirited Hummingbirds are Justin Red Elk's carving specialty. He was inspired by the zippy feathered friends flying around his window, which we're all thankful for because they are truly heartwarming creations. His latest offering is from fish rock serpentine with a lovely peach alabaster addition on the face. A lovely long bill is from gold lip shell and little eyes are from jet inlays. About 1 5/8" long, 3/4" wide and 1 5/8" tall.

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The late Bobby Shack collaborated with his wife Corraine for many years producing incredible jewelry in the stone to stone and channel inlay styles. Corraine continues to make jewelry still using the "B & C Shack" stamp to sign her pieces. The Shack's are noted for unique Phoenix bird creations. The inlaid pen shell dots on the top area of the wings indicate it's a Phoenix bird according to them. Sterling silver channels contain mother-of-pearl, gold lip shell, pen shell, red coral and turquoise. The Phoenix bird station itself is about 2 3/8" long, 2 1/4" wide and 1/8" deep. This is an adjustable 39" long leather bolo tie including the 2 1/8" silver tips with stamped designs. Add a show-stopping touch to any attire with this magnificent work of wearable art.

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Shannon Waatsa is a self-taught carver having started in 2016 with the encouragement of Maegan Shetima. Shannon said she's "inspired by watching animals outside interacting with insects and birds. I have two cats at home and I’m inspired by the way they sleep, stretch, and hunt." In collaboration with Maegan Shetima, Shannon's sculpted a regal ruler of the house from marble. Impeccably poised, this jet in turquoise-eyed feline has a bright and friendly red coral cardinal perched on its head. Maegan carved the tiny feathered friend. The kitty's sweet nose is from mother-of-pearl. About 1 5/8" tall, 7/8" wide and 1 1/4" deep.

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Spring is in the air! A hovering bejeweled Hummingbird pumps nectar from an obliging flower in Derrick and Nichelle Edaakie's stunning handmade sterling silver cuff bracelet constructed in the overlay inlay jewelry technique. Masterful lapidary and silversmithing skills are must for a successful overlay inlay presentation. The sterling silver started out as a sheet that was laboriously sawed out to leave a negative space of design. Another piece of silver was annealed to it. Colorful gifts from Mother Earth such as turquoise, pen shell, coral, mother-of-pearl and abalone were meticulously hand cut and beautifully inlaid bringing this pollinator to life. Plumage is intricately etched, while tiny talons, bill and floral stems are incised and accented with jet paste. The collectible cuff is about 1 3/4" wide. The bracelet's entire inner circumference is approximately 7 1/8" which includes the opening of about 1 5/8". Signed by the artists. Please click here to determine wrist size and best fit.

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The tradition of Zuni pottery has been practiced for more than a thousand years in the making of both functional and ceremonial vessels. Noted potter Carlos Laate said "When I go to harvest the clay, I take some food offerings, some cornmeal offerings, and do a little bit of praying to Mother Earth asking a little bit of her skin to work with. I only take what I need." Materials utilized in his original pottery works are handmade brushes, natural clay, yucca plant and mineral pigments. His hand-coiled wedding vase is painted with the traditional Deer In His House motif, stunning rosettes and Zuni Rainbird designs. This approximately 8 3/8" tall, 6 1/8" wide and 5 5/8" deep vase would make a wonderful wedding or anniversary present. Signed by the artist. Please click here to read about Zuni pottery.

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Sandra Quandelacy's double-side carving from iridescent gold lip shell represents a Tablita Corn-Maiden and Grandmother who watch over precious water, a living source of interconnectedness. Presented on a base from gold lip shell with crushed turquoise, a miniature bloodstone "olla pottery" jar is filled to the brim with bits of turquoise signifying life-sustaining water. Water-loving Dragonfly and star incised designs are on their shawls or blankets. Soothing faces are etched and filled with jet paste. Inlays like red coral, turquoise, malachite and lapis accent them. Dimensions including the lovely base are about 4" tall, 1 1/2" wide and 1 3/8" deep.

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Acoma artist Walter Torres has been carving for many years creating expressive animal figures. He's also a fabulous potter. Artfully carved from limestone, a gentle quail graces a wonderful sculpture Walter calls a "Pueblo Coin" symbolizing the Indigenous way of life and culture. The top-knotted bird forages among the corn fields and flowers. The large "coin" itself is about 5 1/2" tall, 5 1/2" wide and 3/4" deep, signed by the artist. It's beautifully presented on a handsome wooden base that's approximately 6 1/8" long, 3 1/4" wide and 7/8" tall. A collectible 2-piece set.

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Mother Earth's bountiful corn shoots break ground in Liza and Leander Othole's stone to stone inlaid earrings. Rich pen shell, iridescent gold lip shell, sky blue turquoise and bright coral are resting meticulously side by side. The gold lip shell is incised with lines filled with jet paste symbolizing sprouting seedlings. These gorgeous, fashion-forward sterling silver post earrings are roughly 1" long, 1/2" wide and 1/8" deep. Slightly convex, the striking earrings are lightweight in wearability. Signed by the artists along with stamped Zuni Sunfaces which represent the elements in balance.

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Anthony Gchachu's "Everlasting Prosperity" is a breathtaking original acrylic and rich gold leaf painting on glowing labradorite. Many intricate details draw you into a special world where sacred Rainbow Man represents the receiving of blessings. Two stars are the Morning Star and the Evening Star. Friendly magpies mean enduring togetherness because they mate for life. Father Eagle is a guide and Deer is a gentle lifelong companion. The exquisite olla pottery and ancient village represent the vital continuation of tradition and culture. A light epoxy coating protects the museum-quality artwork that weighs approximately 5 pounds and 9 ounces. Signed by the artist, dimensions are about 9 5/8" tall, roughly 5 3/4" wide and 2 1/2" deep. Please click here to meet this extraordinary artist from Zuni.

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Natural clay and paints from the sacred Zuni mountains were collected and processed by renowned potter Anderson Jamie Peynetsa to create a nicely-sized hooting Owl. Exquisitely painted plumage is layered like velvety-soft downy feathers overlaid with an airy Dragonfly companion. Sculptural clay appliqué seen on the precious wings, tail feathers, open beak and tufts demonstrate wondrous dimensionality in clay. Approximately 6" tall, 6 1/2" wide and 5 7/8" deep. Signed by the artist. Please click here to read about wonderful Zuni pottery.

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Chassie Bowannie's adorable Turtle looks forward to spring's arrival when it will emerge from sleepy brumation. Terrestrial turtles burrow deep into Mother Earth for insulation during the depths of winter. A pretty Zuni posy from red coral and turquoise is inlaid to the marble specimen, while precious eyes are from cultured opal inlays. About 3 1/4" long, 5/8" wide and 3 1/8" tall.

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The Zuni Sunface is a traditional design symbolizing a balance of the elements as seen on Danette Laate's Olla Maiden carved from one portion of striking Picasso marble. The Sunface is made from coral, jet and turquoise. Her water carrying jar is beautifully designed. Facial features of the Olla Maiden are set with turquoise. More turquoise, jet and red coral accents are inlaid throughout the piece. Little etched blossoms can be seen on her shawl. A lovely corn leaf blade is incised on the reserve side and inlaid with a turquoise accent. About 2 7/8" tall, 1" wide and 7/8" deep. View item

Award-winning Zuni potters Anderson Peynetsa and his son Jamie Peynetsa collaborated in the creation of an incredible olla pottery inspired from old Zuni ceramics but with a stunning contemporary flair. It is sensuously formed from natural clay they harvest and process. Slipped with white paint, bold pigments depict a rhythmic design of Rainbirds who are known as The Bringer Of Life representing prayers for rain and snow. Zuni blossoms and other striking imagery are a visual language of traditional ways. A beautiful size at approximately 12 1/2" long, 12 1/2" wide and 9" tall. Signed by the artists. Please note there will be additional shipping charges that will be invoiced separately. A quick click here will take you to a wonderful write up about Zuni pottery.

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Since days of old Indigenous cultures have appreciated flowers as beautiful gifts from the Creator with many purposes including medicinal ones. Flowers also carry profound meaning used ceremonially. For some, wild roses are regarded as a symbol of life. Mary Frances Coriz Aguilar's gorgeous sterling silver, jet and red coral mosaic dangle earrings celebrate the beauty of flowers. The design is meticulously overlaid on a bivalve shell bed. Including the lovely handmade hooks, these medium-weight, nice quality earrings are about 2" long, 1 3/8" wide and 3/8" deep.

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Blending beauty with profound meaning is what Joel Pajarito's heirloom cuff bracelet is all about. Masterwork bracelets are not just accessories, they are tools to express traditional worldviews.

Behold a variety of jewelry techniques in this work of wearable art such as tufa casting, mosaic stone to stone inlay and sterling silver channel inlay each requiring their own special treatment. The museum-quality bracelet's exterior hosts bold inlaid panels from precious turquoises such as Golden Hills, Ithaca Peak and Cerrillos. Colorful spiny oyster shell adds delightful pops of color, while jet creates a sense of deep time. A hand of creativity and spiral element perhaps representing migration or life's journey takes a prominent place on the luxurious adornment. The interior of the collectible bracelet spotlights Joel's signatory tufa cast relief designs such as sacred corn, raincloud, hands, spirals, moon and stars, plus Pueblo-style architecture, all reserved for the personal enjoyment of the wearer.

The stunning cuff has a total inner circumference of approximately 6 1/2" including an opening of about 1 1/8". The width measures 1 5/16", which is large enough for a statement piece without being overwhelming for daily wear. This completely one of a kind piece is signed by the artist. Please click here for assistance in determining wrist measurements and best fit.

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In the old days, vital crop seeds like corn, beans and squash were stored in protective seed pottery jars, kept safe for the next planting season. Sometimes the seed potteries were painted with designs that symbolized a deep connection to Mother Earth, prayers for rain and prosperous harvests. They continue to be made today appreciated for their original use as well as their beauty. Kenneth Epaloose's handmade seed pottery jar is from natural clay and mineral pigments. Approximately 4" long, 4" wide and 2" tall. Signed by the artist.

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We're happy to welcome Clint Wesley to keshi.com. His mother is jeweler Amy Wesley. They continue the tradition of the double Hummingbird design originally used by their ancestors Ellen and Dickie Quandelacy.

Clint's sterling silver and turquoise necklace and earrings set is skillfully handmade using the channel inlay technique. The stones are set between silver channels to form a flowing bird motif. The inlay pattern gives rise to a negative space that from a far looks like inlaid black curved stones. The alluring necklace is approximately 26" long, while the center station measures about 1" long, 3/4" wide and 1/4" deep. The side stations come in at roughly 7/8" long, 5/8" wide and 1/4" deep. The hand fabricated sterling silver chain is quite beautiful too. The medium-weight earrings for pierced ears are approximately 1 3/4" long, 5/8" wide and 1/4" deep. Clint utilized Amy's stamp to sign this gorgeous set. Please click here to learn more about differing types of Zuni jewelry.

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Symbolizing potential, Corn-Maiden emerges from corn with kernels on her body. Kateri Quandelacy Sanchez's Corn Maiden is carved from lovely apatite adorned with sky blue turquoise inlays. Facial features are from gold lip shell, etched and filled with jet paste. A petite and approximate 1 5/8" tall, 1 1/8" wide and 5/8" deep.

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Noted Zuni potter Noreen Simplicio's first clay lessons were over 35 years ago, from Jennie Laate and Angelina Medina, both inspirational educators in the Zuni school system. Her latest offering is a stunning pair of ceramic bisque ware wine glasses or goblets adorned with Butterfly and floral motifs hand painted from ceramic paints. These exquisite glasses are glazed and food safe, the perfect 2-piece set for any special occasion or to enjoy daily. Each goblet is approximately 6 1/2" tall, 3 3/8" wide and 3 1/8" deep. Signed by the artist.

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The ancient technique of arranging small stones and shell for mosaic designs goes back thousands of years for the Kewa People. Mary Frances Coriz Aguilar along with her husband John Aguilar have designed a stunning perhaps landscape-inspired mosaic pendant. Within sterling silver framework including a lovely arrowed one, is a myriad of exciting overlaid turquoise pieces that create a bright sky. Red coral and sterling silver form what might be an abstracted flowering scarlet trumpet plant illuminated by the rising sun or full moon. Alternating sections of iridescent mother-of-pearl and jet add more dimensionality. A wonderful story of Mother Earth told on a bivalve shell. Including the silver bale fixture, this collectable pendant measures about 2 3/4" long, 2 1/4" wide and 1/8" deep. Signed by the artists.

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Swans are intelligent birds known for graceful movement across lakes. They are the largest members of the goose and duck family. Peaceful eyes from turquoise inlays contrast in an attractive way with the soft yellow palette of the calcite specimen. Lovely plumage is etched and an elegant head with beak are comfortably tucked. Eric Lonjose's serene swan floats at approximately 4" long, 1 3/4" wide and 2 1/2" tall.

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Bart Gasper, Jr.'s A:tchia' la to pa Knifewing katsina doll has been masterfully carved from traditional cottonwood root. We're astonished by his mastery in wood carving, including painting and pyrogravure artistry. Knifewing is a sacred guardian for the A:Shiwi (The People). Knifewing is brother to Rainbowman who is a Bringer of Rain. Powerful wings, necklace and feathered headdress adorn Knifewing who protects from above, while a Zuni Sunface represents a balance of the elements. Other exquisite features include Mother Earth's bounty: a vibrant blooming flower, corn, important water creatures like Frog and Dragonfly, perhaps turkey tracks and Deer. Carefully applied vivid acrylic paints dance with color. Including base, measurements are about 13 1/4" tall, 4" wide and 8 3/4" deep. Signed by the artist.

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Certain Butterflies are migratory such as the monarch butterfly who navigates by measuring the sun's position in the sky. It can fly up to a mile high often riding thermal air currents. Danette Laate's watermelon serpentine pollinator has turquoise accents and eyes. Little antennae and body segments are nicely etched. Stopping for a moment's rest, this brave traveller measures about 1 3/4" tall, 3/8" wide and 1 1/8" deep. View item

Darrell Shebola's remarkable Hummingbird necklace and earrings set is a flash back to an older style of inlay jewelry that is quickly becoming a rarity. Arranged from iridescent gold lip shell, sky blue turquoise, magical abalone, rich pen shell and bright red coral, this happy set can be worn anytime. The sterling silver beaks and feet are sweetly worked. The stunning necklace with handmade link chain is approximately 27" long, while the center nectar-sipping bird and flower are about 1 1/2" long and 1 3/4" wide. The side hummingbird stations are roughly 1 1/2" long and 1 1/4" wide. The medium-weight earrings dangle delightfully at about 2 1/4" long with hooks and 1 3/8" wide. Signed by the artist.

Please click here to learn more about traditional inlay jewelry in Toshio Sei's 2013 copyrighted book "Figural Designs in Zuni Jewelry". This wonderful publication is not included with Darrell's hummingbird necklace and earrings set but can be purchased separately, please inquire.

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Alexander Chavez's onyx winged wonder has turquoise, red coral and jet inlays plus adorable sterling silver antennae. Facial features are from turquoise and jet. Butterflies teach us that transformation or an internal shift brings us in alignment with our highest potential. About 2 5/8" tall, 3/4" wide and roughly 1 3/4" deep. A bit tippy, not suitable for an unstable shelf.

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Chad Quandelacy's iridescent Pacific green snail shell carving excitingly depicts a Corn-Maiden along with a Butterfly Maiden merging together. Corn is represented with crushed turquoise. The Butterfly Maiden's wings are a spectacular mosaic of turquoise, purple and orange spiny oyster shells, jet, malachite, lapis lazuli, pink mussel shell and abalone. Long hair is from incised jet. Both maiden's have faces from overlaid turquoise. Dragonflies hover around turquoise-embedded flowers. Etched star elements are seen. This carving rest permanently a top a handsome ricolite base. All together, measurements are about 3" tall, 3" wide and 3" deep. View item

Elise Westika has carved a cute, long-lashed parrot or other feathered friend from cottonwood and hand-painted it with colorful acrylic paints. A mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli and aventurine bead offering necklace is attached in thankfulness for a parrot's sweet spirit including its everyday determination and diligence. Perched at approximately 2 1/4" tall, 1 3/8" wide and 1 3/8" deep. View item

Omnipresent birds bring joy and contentment through their sweet songs and vibrant plumage. As pollinators, they keep ecosystems running smoothly through seed dispersement, all the while maintaining rodent and insect populations. They also fertilize forests and agricultural land. Zuni Pueblo master jeweler Quintin Quam's sterling silver overlay inlay necklace honors eight unique feathered friends in a museum quality piece. We happily see a lazuli bunting, a cardinal, a hooded oriole, a blue jay, a Hummingbird, a snowy Owl, an eastern bluebird and a scarlet macaw flocking together, presented with beautiful backdrops of flower and plant foliage including a few lovely Butterflies.

Quintin is a genius in working the overlay inlay jewelry technique, which requires great experience and patience in both lapidary and silversmithing skills. Each of the eight stations on this collectible necklace started out as sterling silver sheets that were laboriously sawed out to leave a negative space of design. Another piece of silver was annealed to it. Colorful stones and shells such as malachite, red and pink coral, turquoise, lapis, fossilized ivory, Mojave green turquoise, jet, spiny oyster shell, mother-of-pearl, jet and pen shell were meticulously hand cut and inlaid bringing to life this extraordinary work of art. Each bird is etched with amazing detail.

The overall length of this incredible necklace is about 29", which doesn't include the two center drop stations which by themselves measure about 4 3/8" long. The individual bird stations are approximately 2" long and 1 1/8" wide. Even the handmade silver chain is gorgeous. Signed by the artist.

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