Leagus Ahiyite

Zuni jeweler, Leagus Ahiyte, inlaid jet, natural red coral, Mother of Pearl, and natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise in this channel inlaid Thunderbird.  We love the way he uplifts the wings.  Sterling silver tips are the ends of the braided leather cord.  More about channel inlay and Thunderbirds below.

Size: 2" H x 1.325" W - Braided leather 44" L including silver tips

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).

Thunderbirds  intelligent forces of nature with the power of thunder, lightening, and storms.