Navajo Silver Box with Zuni Knifewing Man
Artist: Once Known
Tribe: Diné (Navajo) / Zuni
Dimensions: 6 1/4″L x 5 1/4”W x 2”H
Signed: Once Known Arrow Hallmark
Stone: Multi-stone
Material: Silver
Not For Sale
As seen in the Elegant Vessels: A century of southwest silver boxes book (Pages 40 & 41)
The figure of the Knife Wing Man appears prominently in Zuni traditional stories. Sometimes referred to as a Knife Wing Bird, this being, with its ever-present cloud headdress, outstretched wings, and birdlike tail flanked by human legs, so piqued the interest of Dr. Ferderick W. Hodge that he, as previously stated, asked Teddy Weahkee to reproduce the image in stone mosaic. The resulting popularity of Weahkee’s creation led to innumerable similar renditions appearing as jewelry and on boxes. It is difficult to accurately attribute inlaid figures to their creators.
