POBLANO, LEO (Zuni, 1905-1959). Leo Poblano is widely regarded as one of the most talented Zuni artists. When we think of Leo Poblano,we think of some of the earliest mosaic inlay work that came out of the Zuni Pueblo.. Although Leo has been gone since 1959, this hasnt slowed down the pace at which collectors seek this extraordinary artists past works out. In fact,he is probably one of the most sought after Native American/Zuni artists that ever lived & to be truthful,having this piece of Leo's I feel, was like hitting the jackpot ..You can find this in "Gregory & Angie Schaaf's" book titled "AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY-1200 Artist Biographies on page 257 (See last photo)

THE PIN/PENDANT:

Looking at this Shalako Kachina, will take you right to the Pueblo ceremony, while witnessing every fine little detail there is in the Shalako's ceremonial attire. This highly detailed Shalako figure is shown through a "mosaic inlay painting" wearing a traditional regalia, and features an array of shell & stone inlay of turquoise, coral, jet, white & yellow shell and spiny oyster shell. The flush inlay is laid atop of a heavy gauge sterling silver backing & for extra security, it is prong set in all key places within the pin.(see photos) Both the art & the sterling follow form with each other so both were cut & designed to fit like the perfect marriage..All the materials were cut fairly thick, so the materials are not flimsy & thin.

You can wear this as a pin or pendant & if you wear it as a pendant,you would have to hang it on something that has a small diameter since the bale is not too big. I actually see this more as a pin & so I personally would wear it as that..You just want to be careful not to put it on any delicate fabric because of the weight

Leo's work will always be high in demand & will only increase in value as the years go by..It belongs in the hands of serious Native American connoisseur collectors, who collect only the finest there is in Native American Jewelry!

FIRM!!!