c1960 c-31 Effie Calavaza Zuni Snake bolo tie 37" long with dents to tips to
make it more unique as shown.
Collaborated with Juan Calavaza. Signed Juan C., Zuni, ca.1955-70 until Juan's
death in 1970 then began signing Effie C., Zuni. Nugget, stampwork, sandcast
jewelry.
Wife of Juan Calavaza, mother of Susie Calavaza, Gloria Jean Garcia, Georgiana
Yatsatti, four other children. Taught by her husband.
Schaaf 2003:102)
Biography
Effie specializes in sandcasting silver and incorporates large stones. Her
snake designs are known as her signature style. She began making jewelry in the
mid-1950s after learning jewelry making from her husband, Juan Calavaza. Her
daughters, Georgiana Yatsattie, Gloria Jean Garcia, and Susie Calavaza, are all
jewelers as well. She also has four other children. Effie won an award at the
Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico. Effie also went all the
way to the Supreme Court of the United States of America to obtain full
of her art work to stop those from importing fake pieces of her work.
Despite rumors, Effie is still making jewelry today and her work is collected
throughout the world.
All precious metals are tested and guaranteed. A Native American jewelry piece
referred to as "silver" or "ingot" is guaranteed to be at least 90% silver. I
rarely use the word "sterling" when referring to older Native American silver
or really any older silver jewelry as silver contents vary and "sterling" is
92.5% silver. No older jewelry is going to be exactly 92.5% silver, some a
little over, some a little under. It wasn't an exact thing with handmade
jewelry. I've seen thousands of pieces xrf'd to prove this. Bracelets are
photographed on a 6" women's wrist.