EFFIE CALAVAZA ZUNI STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE & CORAL SNAKE CUFF

Effie Calavaza Zuni Sterling Silver Turquoise & Coral Snake Cuff. Stamped Effie C Zuni. Not stamped, but tests as sterling. Effie Calavaza (Zuni Pueblo, 1927–2019) was one of the most influential and recognizable Zuni silversmiths of the 20th century. Born and raised in Zuni, New Mexico, she learned silversmithing from her husband, Juan Calavaza, and began producing jewelry professionally in the 1950s.Calavaza became celebrated for her distinctive snake motif, typically featuring sculptural silver serpents wrapped around large turquoise, coral, and onyx stones. Deeply rooted in Zuni cultural tradition, the snake is associated with healing, fertility, renewal, and transformation. Her bold designs became so recognizable—and widely imitated—that they established a signature style closely associated with the Calavaza name. Before Juan's death in 1970, Effie's work was often signed “JUAN C. – ZUNI.” She later used her well-known “EFFIE C. – ZUNI” hallmark. Her daughters and other family members also became involved in jewelry making, helping continue the family's silversmithing tradition. A prolific artist, mentor, and innovator, Calavaza produced bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, buckles, and other works that are now highly collected examples of Zuni jewelry. Her distinctive combination of traditional symbolism, substantial silverwork, and dramatic gemstones established a lasting legacy in Native American jewelry and influenced generations of Southwestern artists. Gemstones: Turquoise, Coral | Approx. Net Weight: 80.2 grams | Ref: BD2115

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