Product Description
Circa 1970, from the private collection of Don and Nita Hoel, a multi animal necklace by Master Zuni Pueblo artists, Virgil and Shirley Benn. Inlay animal necklace using a variety of shells and stones with natural colors and textures. The necklace was photographed for the 1976 book Skystone and Silver on the 11th page of photos after page 86.
Artists Virgil and Shirley Benn have an incredible ability to bring their inlay jewelry to life. Look at the sweet face on this beautiful Hopi maiden pin/pendant by Virgil and Shirley Benn. From her intricate hair whorls down to her beaded necklaces, it’s hard to believe that she’s made entirely of shell and stone set in silver.
Shirley Benn is Hopi/Tewa, and is the daughter of Daisy Hooee Nampeyo and the granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano, so singular artistic ability runs in her veins. Virgil Benn of Zuni and Paiuteancestry lends his Zuni Pueblo’s style of mosaic inlay to their works.
