Beautiful vintage 60's Navajo turquoise sandcast Knifewing brooch/pin. The silversmith has created a casting of a Knifewing deity. She details the deity with decorative stampwork and adds a triangular cut and polished turquoise stone that coincides as the Knifewing's pendant on his necklace. The turquoise sports brown and black matrix with slight dark blue veins and is set into a smooth silver bezel. The artist finishes the brooch by attaching a safety locking pin and clasp on the back.

The Knifewing deity measures 1 7/8" by 1 9/16" across and weighs 14.4 grams. It is hallmarked FJ on the back by Navajo silversmith Francis Jones and guaranteed sterling silver. Very nice and somewhat collectible piece of Native American jewelry! The rarity is that the Knifewing comes from the Zuni mythological religious aspect and for a Navajo to make a piece to honor a Zuni deity is rare in itself.  $178.95

 The Knifewing and Rainbowman first descend most likely from the Zuni Shield of the Priesthood of the Bow Clan. Knifewing is a mythological being with wings covered in flint blades. He would sweep down from the heavens and carry off beautiful Zuni maidens. Knifewing was the original war god of Zuni. The half man half eagle deity, Knifewing, is believed to bestow wisdom, strength, and courage among his people.