C.G. Wallace is probably the most famous name from Zuni jewelry history. He is credited with popularizing, promoting, and helping Zuni artists close to the turn of the century. Some of the most famous Zuni inlayers worked for him and with him, and his collection that sold at Sothebys in 1975 is world-renowned with much of his remaining collection residing at the Heard Museum. Zuni inlayers developed their craft from the 1920s to 1940s. These artists are rare and much sought after and this museum quality piece is no exception. The buckle measures 2 inches wide and 2 inches long and the tip measures 1 inch long by .75 inches wide. The stone to stone inlay is done in natural turquoise, jet, mother of pearl, and spiny oyster. Made for a .75″ belt. No artisan hallmark, yet the set speaks to the C. G. Wallace school of design–the inlaid dots and the curved stones on the buckle are a dead give-away. It’s in excellent condition with considerable age patina. Video.
