JSW872 Burdian Soseeah
Sterling silver Sunface earrings by Zuni silversmith Burdian Soseeah. The beautiful turquoise rays showcase the face of coral, turquoise, jet and coral. The top Sunface with standard posts is 5/8” x 5/8” with the second Sunface 7/8” x 7/8”. Sterling silver dangles with turquoise teardrops make a total length of 2 3/4”.
The Zuni incorporated their respect for the Sun into their jewelry in form of the Sunface. The traditional Sunface represents the finest in Zuni inlay artistry and craftsmanship. It is typically made from turquoise, mother-of-pearl, red coral and jet.
About the artist
Burdain Soseeah
(Zuni 1948 – present)
Zuni silversmith Burdian Soseeah comes from a long line of Zuni jewelers. She was born in the Zuni Pueblo in the late 1940’s. She has been active since the 1960’s and is known for her blossoming Sunface channel inlay jewelry.
Burdian is well known for making blossoming Sunface inlay designs. That pattern is used in her in earrings, pendants, necklaces, rings, and belts. She uses Sleeping Beauty turquoise, jet, mother of pearl shell, and coral on her Sunface designs. The inlay technique is ‘channel inlay’ meaning it is one of the most intricate techniques of jewelry making. An inlay base design is made and a rim of silver is soldered around the edges. Silver partitions are put in to form “boxes” for the cut stones to fit into.
Hallmark: "Burdian Soseeah" and sterling.
