DESCRIPTION:

Shalako is a series of dances and ceremonies conducted by the Zuni people for the Zuni people at the winter solstice, typically following the harvest.

The Zuni people are known for their intricate detailed work,whether phenomenal picturesque mosaic inlaid art of stone & shell to their meticulously cluster work.Whatever it is they create,their works are pieces of art & is the most time consuming & personally,some of the most beautiful out of all tribal work!

Looking at this,will take you right to the Pueblo ceremony,while witnessing every fine little detail there is in the Shalakos ceremonial attire.Zuni Artist Adrian Wallace" paid some of the closest attention to every little detail,by hand cutting & shaping each & every piece there is,to create this outstanding piece of art! This has to be one of the most incredibly designed Shalako depictions I think I've come across & one thing that can't be denied is all the time it took to make this!! And if you appreciate hand work & what the creative mind can create,you will relly appreciate this piece!

Made in a stauesque 5-3/4" height,all the hand cut materials are then mosaic inlaid atop of sterling.The materials used are both white mother of pearl & brightly colored gold mother of pearl,Pen shell,Turquoise,Mediterranean red coral,onyx. The part that comes out of the mouth, is raised about 3/8" above the base & the depiction of the spruce collar worn is textured with detail..It is designed with both flush inlay & raised inlay. The tips are made with turquoise & what looks like Pen shell.

The adjustable closure is the type that "Locks",so you can wear it high or low & by unlocking the clasp on the backside will allow you then to adjust.(See photo 10) People that wear bolos know that sometimes the tips can turn,so if by chance this happens,all you do is when it's in it's unlocked position,you turn the tips where both are facing foward & then you'll lock it & that fixes the problem if this happens. This is something that can't be avoided..The sterling cones have serrated edges to grasp well on the black leather.

Whether your an Southwestern Banker,Texas oil man,work in a Gallery,this will definitly get the 'oohs & aahs",while validating your exquisite tastes for fine Native American art!