Zuni-Cross
This cross saved the faith of the Zuni Indian Tribe.
Multi-coloured stone inlay in 925 sterling silver: Elaborate Indian jewelleryby the Zuni designer Kristen Bowannie.
500 years ago, the Spanish conquistadors were searching for the legendary gold treasure of the “seven cities of Cibola”. They conquered Indian Territory and the Zuni were forced to become Christianised.
Although they adopted the symbol of the cross, they reinterpreted it into their own mythology in the shape of a dragonfly. The dragonfly had always been seen as a messenger, one who relays prayers and wishes to the spirits. This enabled the Indians to wear the cross without betraying their own faith.
Four different gemstones symbolise the cardinal points.
Turquoise represents north, white shell stands for east, black jet represents south and coral stands for west. Kristen Bowannie, a Zuni Indian, uses her artistic inspiration to decide how the stones should be set.
This makes every cross unique. Keeping with tradition, it is handmade using an inlay technique. The filigree intarsia is cut so perfectly that they seamlessly flow into one another as if they were painted. An incredibly elaborate procedure which demands extreme precision and craftsmanship. Measures 50 x 30 x 5mm (2" x 1" x 1⁄5"). Delivered with matching 50cm chain (19 2⁄3") in 925 sterling silver. Total weight 10g (0.4oz). Made in the USA. Exclusive to Fashion Classics.
Although they adopted the symbol of the cross, they reinterpreted it into their own mythology in the shape of a dragonfly. The dragonfly had always been seen as a messenger, one who relays prayers and wishes to the spirits. This enabled the Indians to wear the cross without betraying their own faith.
Four different gemstones symbolise the cardinal points.
Turquoise represents north, white shell stands for east, black jet represents south and coral stands for west. Kristen Bowannie, a Zuni Indian, uses her artistic inspiration to decide how the stones should be set.
This makes every cross unique. Keeping with tradition, it is handmade using an inlay technique. The filigree intarsia is cut so perfectly that they seamlessly flow into one another as if they were painted. An incredibly elaborate procedure which demands extreme precision and craftsmanship. Measures 50 x 30 x 5mm (2" x 1" x 1⁄5"). Delivered with matching 50cm chain (19 2⁄3") in 925 sterling silver. Total weight 10g (0.4oz). Made in the USA. Exclusive to Fashion Classics.
Zuni-Cross
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; "Zuni-Cross Multi-coloured stone inlay in 925 sterling silver: Lovely Indian jewellery
by Zuni designer Kristen Bowannie.")
