RESERVED for M. || 1950s Turquoise Multistone Bird Fetish Necklace for Women, Zuni Native American Jewelry Animal Fetish

Sorry, this item has sold.

*************

RESERVED - LAYAWAY PAYMENT 2 of 8

THREE PIECES:
1) Three Strand Multi-Stone Fetish by David Tsikewa... $1,050 (reg $1,400)
2) Ten Strand Olive Shell Heishi... $320
3) Single Strand 1950s in Style of David Tsikewa... $960
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL PRICE: $2330 PRICE INC FREE SHIPPING NO TAX

DOWN PAYMENT (11/4/2020) = $291.25
PAYMENT 2 (12/4/2020) = $291.25
PAYMENT 3 (1/4/2021) = $291.25
PAYMENT 4 (2/4/2021) = $291.25
PAYMENT 5 (3/4/2021) = $291.25
PAYMENT 6 (4/4/2021) = $2291.25
PAYMENT 7 (5/4/2021) = $291.25
PAYMENT 8 (6/4/2021) = $291.25

EARLY PAYOFF PERMITTED
ITEM SHIPS WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY OF FINAL PAYMENT

*************

1) This vintage fetish necklace comes from the estate of an Albuquerque, New Mexico woman who throughout the 1950s and 1960s drove every summer with her young children in tow, to Zuni Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Navajo Nation, and Acoma among other pueblos, to buy or trade directly with artists. According to her son, now in his mid 60s, at one point his mom could no longer buy directly, the son says due to intervention by the government due to taxes. So his mother would meet the artists on the highway and buy from them on the side of the road. Sometimes she would barter instead, bringing furniture, clothing, appliances--anything useful and in good condition. This piece was her crowning glory. We believe this was by Zuni master David Tsikewa. From a gallery website that carries Tsikewa's works: "David Tsikewa brought a previously unseen delicacy to the art of fetish carving. His pieces have a sweet, gentle quality that distinguishes them from the works of his contemporaries. Born in 1915, David passed away from a heart attack in 1970. Tsikewa learned silversmithing from the renowned Horace Iule in about 1937 and by the mid-1940s was carving small fetishes for necklaces at the request of Ruth Kirk of the well-known Gallup, NM trading family. Although he continued silversmithing, he began focusing on carving fetishes by the mid-1950s. According to fourth-generation Indian trader Joe Tanner of Gallup, Tsikewa and Leekya Deyuse were the top of the heap of fetish carvers in the last half of the 20th century. In 1966, Tsikewa's fetishes were prominent at the Heard Museum's Zuni Show." The owner kept the necklace tucked away, only to pull it out for special occasions. The earrings were made to go with it. What I can tell you about the piece is that it has three strands, each with 19 hand-carved natural gemstone or shell bird fetishes, for 57 fetishes total. They are strung with fine pen or olive shell in between, and the stringing is still in great condition on account of the fact that she wore this only on special occasions. The fetishes are slightly graduated in size, getting smaller toward the tips of the necklace, and they are each unique, not only different sizes but also different thickness and other variations in the carving that tells us they are wholly handmade. The turquoise birds are my favorite--there are two on each strand--and they range in color from light blue-green to darker blue-green. There are also two black onyx birds, reminding me of the Sonoran ravens that migrate to New Mexico each year. Other stones and shells include spiny oyster, serpentine, Picasso marble, and abalone. Some of the fetishes are thin, especially the shell fetishes, which follow the natural shape of the shells. Others are bigger and fatter. Each fetish is intact and the only damage is an occasional beak that is possibly dulled or slightly broken on the very tip. It's hard to tell what material the piece is strung on as it is so tight, but given that it has no kinks nor stiffness, I would guess that it is strung on waxy twine. The piece ends with sterling silver cones on the ends.

The largest bird fetishes are about 1-1/4" long and the smallest are about 3/4" long. The shortest strand is 26" tip to tip. The longest strand, if you follow the curve of the strand with a soft tape measure, is closer to 28", and the middle one would be 27".

2) This vintage fetish necklace is Zuni, circa 1950s, and all hand carved. It is stand out for the beautiful birds, two made of turquoise, three of black onyx, and several of other stones including serpentine. I love how the bottom bird is black, as the Ravens has special significance in Zuni culture. From a website about fetish meanings: "Raven is clever and represents magic and transformation. He is a messenger of great mystery and represents a change in consciousness. He helps guide us through the darkest of times." The piece is very much in the style of Zuni master David Tsikewa. From a gallery website that carries Tsikewa's works: "David Tsikewa brought a previously unseen delicacy to the art of fetish carving. His pieces have a sweet, gentle quality that distinguishes them from the works of his contemporaries. Born in 1915, David passed away from a heart attack in 1970. Tsikewa learned silversmithing from the renowned Horace Iule in about 1937 and by the mid-1940s was carving small fetishes for necklaces at the request of Ruth Kirk of the well-known Gallup, NM trading family. Although he continued silversmithing, he began focusing on carving fetishes by the mid-1950s. According to fourth-generation Indian trader Joe Tanner of Gallup, Tsikewa and Leekya Deyuse were the top of the heap of fetish carvers in the last half of the 20th century. In 1966, Tsikewa's fetishes were prominent at the Heard Museum's Zuni Show." This necklace does have signs of wear, most visibly the no-longer-fluid nature of the twine. It can be restrung, although many collectors would want such a necklace in the state found. If you would prefer it to be restrung, let me know and I can do so at no extra charge. The necklace features 19 birds total, with fine pen or olive shell heishi in between. The piece ends with sterling silver cones on the ends.

The largest bird fetishes are about 1-1/4" long and the smallest are about 1" long. The piece is just under 28" tip to tip, and I believe when restrung it will be the full 28".

3) This ten-strand necklace is all hand made, with mostly brown-warm white olive shell heishi interspersed with some turquoise, red pipestone, and heishi beads of other types and colors. This is a traditional Santo Domingo style, and we understand the necklace to have been made by the renowned Mary Coriz of the Pueblo. The strands are heavy, due both the length of the strands as well as the size of the beads.Creating heishi beads as these is quite challenging. From the Santa Fe Collectors Guide: "A string of good heishi will have a uniform consistency. If you gently pull it through your hand, it should feel like a single serpent-like piece." It may look like it's done by a machine, but: "The truth is, if it seems exquisitely perfect, it was most likely made by the hands of a highly-skilled, extremely patient craftsperson." The necklace is closed off with a hand-rolled "squaw wrap," a traditional style that requires the necklace to be placed on and off over the head. This is a unisex piece, worn in the Pueblo by women and men alike.

The strands measure about 34" all the way around, with a hang length of closer to 14-16" depending on the width of one's neck. Weighs 245g.

*************

Please convo with questions, or call (505) 369-6865. Will return your call as soon as possible.

*************

For More Native Necklaces, Pendants, and Pins: http://bit.ly/2ESs4Tf
Native American Earrings: http://bit.ly/2FyZ8wy
Native American Rings: http://bit.ly/2HQXwyY
Native Bracelets and Watches: https://bit.ly/2NpeypL
Native Belts and Bolos: http://bit.ly/2oz2XKp
All items: https://romaarellano.com

Shipping from United States

Processing time

14 weeks

Estimated shipping times

  • North America : 4 - 12 weeks
  • Europe : 6 - 16 weeks
  • Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 6 - 16 weeks
  • Asia Pacific : 6 - 16 weeks
  • Latin America and the Caribbean : 6 - 16 weeks

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns and cancellations

Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Conditions of return

    Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

    Privacy policy

    This Privacy Policy describes how and when your data are collected and used when you purchase an item from this shop or romaarellano.com, also administered by etsy.com. This Privacy Policy does not apply to the practices of third parties, including Etsy or any third party services you access through Etsy. You can reference the Etsy Privacy Policy to learn more about its privacy practices.

    Etsy or PayPal, depending on which you use, administers payments, and therefore protects your financial per their respective privacy policies. This shop does not have access to credit card or bank details.

    Information Collected by this Shop
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    To fulfill your order, you provide information through Etsy, such as name, email address, postal address, payment information, and details of the product ordered. You may also choose to provide additional personal information regarding the order if you contact the shop directly.

    This shop collects, uses, and shares your information for specific tasks such as:
    • providing services to fulfill your order, to settle disputes should any occur, and provide customer support;
    • when you have provided consent, which you may revoke at any time, by signing up for a mailing list or request detail of future product availability;
    • to comply with a legal obligation or court order or in connection with a legal claim, such as retaining information about your purchases if required by tax law; and
    • as necessary for the purpose of legitimate interests such as Compliance with the Etsy Seller Policy and Terms of Use.

    Information about this shop's customers is necessary to our business. Personal information is used for specific and limited reasons and circumstances, as follows:
    • Information is shared with Etsy as necessary to provide services and comply with obligations under both the Etsy Seller Policy and Etsy Terms of Use.
    • If we sell or merge this business, we may disclose your information as part of that transaction, only to the extent permitted by law.
    • We may collect, use, retain, and share your information if we have a good faith belief that it is reasonably necessary to: (a) respond to legal process or to government requests; (b) enforce my agreements, terms and policies; (c) prevent, investigate, and address fraud and other illegal activity, security, or technical issues; or (d) protect the rights, property, and safety of our customers, or others.

    Data Retention
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    We retain customer personal information only for as long as necessary to provide you with services, as described in this Privacy Policy and to comply with any legal and regulatory obligations, to resolve disputes should any arise, and to enforce agreements. For tax purposes, we generally keep customer data for seven years.

    If you have any questions regarding data privacy, please contact the shop owner via the built-in messaging system. Thank you.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Worldwide Shipping, Processing & Insurance

    • We ship to many parts of the world. On any listing, enter your zip or postal code into the Shipping box to find out if your country is included and how much it will cost. If you find we do not ship to your country, contact us to find out if we might be able to.

    • We ship within 1-3 days of order via USPS, Fed Ex, and UPS. and any order of $100 or more will be insured via third party insurance.

    • Any package valued at $250 or more will require Signature upon delivery. Third Party insurer requires Signature in certain cases, so please do not ask that we ship without Signature as this creates a risk we are not willing to take.

    Returns & Refunds

    • We accept returns. Per our policies, contact us within 14 days of delivery. Return shipping with insurance and tracking is at your expense. We process refunds once the item is returned in the same condition received.

    • If your item arrives damaged, photograph it with packaging so we may make a claim.

    • Returning an item is no fun; contact us before buying to ask questions or request additional photos. I'd rather talk you out of something vs your being disappointed with a purchase!

    • Our top priority is your positive experience with this shop, and our greatest hope is that you LOVE the item purchased!

    Do you do layaways?

    We can work with you on a payment plan with immediate down payment up to two months for full payment.

    Note that layaways past due over 30 days go into default. Once in default the transaction is cancelled and layaway payments are not returnable due to having removed items from the market and losing potential sales.

    Convo to talk about a layaway plan that works for your budget.

    Do you accept offers?

    Please, no offers. We receive so much correspondence daily that we are unable to respond to offer requests.

    We have loyal customers who return again and again and use the repeat customer discount coupon for 10% off. We set fair prices from the get-go. If something is expensive, you know it's good.

    We do run sales occasionally, so watch for those. And we value community. Whether you are a returning customer, Facebook friend, or Instagram follower--our thanks to you is 10% off for supporting this shop. Please go to the About section of the main shop page and click on the social media links. Follow us on one of those platforms, convo to say you've done so and we'll send you the coupon code for 10% off.

    Will you reserve or hold items?

    We do NOT do reserves or holds. Like any business, we use sales proceeds to keep the shop running. We truly can't afford to take items off the market. But even if you have some funds with which to make a down payment, we can do layaway with you. Just convo to say you'd like to do a layaway, and we'll work with you on that route instead of a Hold or Reserve.

    Can you tell me SOLD prices?

    We get correspondance almost daily asking how much certain items are worth or what the price was of items that have sold, and we can no longer respond to these messages.

    Legal imprint