Navajo Silver Cigarette Case with Zuni Knifewing Man
Artist: Once Known
Tribe: Diné (Navajo) / Zuni
Dimensions: 2 3/4”L x 3/4”W x 1/2”H
Stone: Multi-stone
Material: Sterling
Not For Sale
As seen in the Elegant Vessels: A century of southwest silver boxes book (Pages 41 & 43)
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 headers, outstretched wings, and birdlike tail flanked by human legs, so piqued the interest of Dr. Frederick 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. The assemblage here exhibits the variety of approaches to the image design and complexity of both the stonework and silverwork. It is difficult to accurately attribute inlaid figures to their creators.
