Description

This is a spectacular vintage pendant that began as a manta pin. It is a whopping 6” long and 3” wide. Manta pins are typically worn to hold a traditional dress together or worn during ceremonials on a dress or blouse. The form of this pendant is a figure eight with each concentric row of beautiful turquoise stones separated by a slim twisted sterling silver wire. The rows of gorgeous blue turquoise alternate between pear shaped stones and small round stones. Each of the stones is set with hand-made saw-tooth bezels.  The shepherd’s hook on the back enables you to pair this pendant with many of your favorite strands of beads or to wear it on a sterling silver collar.  No matter how you choose to wear this incredible pendant, it is beautiful and makes quite a statement.

The creator of this beautiful piece is Jack Weekoty (also spelled Weekooty), who was a Zuni artist born in 1916. He produced jewelry from 1945-1975. His hallmark, as shown in the photo below, is JW with a design around it that looks like a little shed with a roof and walls; however, some people have interpreted the shed design as clouds and rain. Jack was trained by and studied under Horace Lule.

Condition: Excellent – this wonderful pendant has been converted from a pin into a pendant several years ago.
Provenance: Acquired from a private collector in Arizona