Zuni Inlaid Hummingbird and Flower Pin Pendant

Zuni jeweler, Leahus Ahiyite, made this wonderful inlaid hummingbird drinking nectar from a flower.  As a pin, the hummingbird is horizontal.  As a pendant, it is vertical.  Either way, it is lovely!  The face of the hummingbird is Sleeping Beauty turquoise with an inlaid jet eye, the neck is abalone, the body is mother of pearl, the tail is turquoise, natural red coral, and abalone, and the wings are abalone, jet, and natural red coral.  The flower is gold lip mother of pearl with turquoise leaves.   Signed on the back.

Size: 1" H x 2.75" L (when horizontal)

Hummingbirds are fierce defenders of their families.  Many Indigenous people consider them to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.  And, in some tribes they are considered to be “love medicine”.