This extraordinary vintage Zuni pendant by artist K.C. of Zuni, New Mexico is one of the most remarkable examples of Zuni channel inlay artistry — a fully reversible two-sided pendant, each face depicting a different sacred Kachina figure in breathtaking detail against a deep black jet ground.

Side One — Mudhead Kachina (Koyemsi)
The Mudhead Kachina is rendered in warm cream and golden mother of pearl, his body engraved with a traditional cross motif and accented with a row of silver beads at the waist. His round jet head is set with silver dot eyes, and his elaborate headdress blazes with hand-cut tiles of turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, and jet — a burst of color against the dark ground.

Side Two — Buffalo Kachina (Mosayru)
The Buffalo Kachina is rendered in full channel inlay — a mosaic of precisely cut turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, jet, and abalone tiles that build the figure from headdress to feet with extraordinary detail. Turquoise buffalo horns crown the head; the body is layered in alternating bands of turquoise, coral, MOP, and jet; the legs and feet continue the pattern to the ground. A masterwork of Zuni lapidary precision.

Both figures are set on a polished oval jet ground, framed by a hand-twisted rope bezel and a hand-stamped leaf border, with silver bead clusters at top and bottom. The pendant hangs from an open oval sterling silver frame on a 24-inch sterling silver serpentine chain.

At 24.7 grams of sterling silver, this pendant wears with commanding presence. The hallmark K.C. Zuni NM is engraved on the reverse.

Artisan Heritage

Signed K.C., Zuni, NM (engraved on reverse), this pendant is the work of a master Zuni channel inlay artist. The two-sided format — each face a complete and distinct Kachina figure — represents an exceptional level of ambition and skill, making this piece a serious collector's find and a wearable work of ceremonial art.

Specifications

Artist: K.C. (hallmark: K.C. Zuni NM)
Tribe: Zuni
Style: Two-Sided Reversible Kachina Channel Inlay Pendant
Side One: Mudhead Kachina — mother of pearl, jet, turquoise, coral
Side Two: Buffalo Kachina — turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, jet, abalone
Ground: Polished black jet oval
Frame: Twisted rope bezel, hand-stamped leaf border, open oval sterling silver hanger
Chain: 24" sterling silver serpentine chain (included)
Weight: 24.7 grams (pendant)
Hallmark: K.C. Zuni NM (engraved)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with rich patina consistent with age

This is a one-of-a-kind estate piece. Authenticity, artistry, and heritage are at the heart of every item we offer at Black Arrow Gallery.