Awa Tsireh Silver and Turquoise Thunderbird Brooch (#18-001)

An extremely rare stamped silver and turquoise Thunderbird brooch by renowned San Ildefonso painter and silversmith Awa Tsireh (Alfonso Roybal). Awa Tsireh (b. 1898 d.1955) was known primarily as a painter, but he was also an accomplished jeweler and metalsmith and spent his summers during the 1930’s and 40’s making jewelry at the Garden of the Gods trading post. Hand wrought from solid silver, this charming brooch depicts a thunderbird or eagle with outstretched wings. The bird’s features are depicted with the fine stamp work for which Awa Tsireh was known. The bird’s breast is set with a single domed oval turquoise. The natural high grade stone has a beautiful robin’s egg blue color. The back of the piece is hallmarked: solid silver handmade by Indians Awah Tsireh.” The piece is well-crafted and heavy. It is in fine vintage condition with a dark rich patina, and shows signs of hand chasing on the reverse. Awa Tsireh’s jewelry is quite rare and collectible, but is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves. A current exhibition at the Heard Museum features both his painting and jewelry, and runs through January 2019.

Circa: 1930’s-40’s Dimensions: W 3 11/16″, H 1 5/8″ Weight: 16 grams