Effie Calavaza — Zuni Silversmith & Snake Hallmark
Effie Calavaza's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Zuni · 1928–2019 · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
About this mark
The mark shown above is photographed directly on an authenticated piece from the T.Skies gallery — this is Effie Calavaza's actual stamp, not a recreation. As struck, it reads EFFIE C. over ZUNI.
This matches her documented hallmark. Hougart records her mark as EFFIE C, and Bahti records it as EFFIE C. ZUNI — noting her signature designs incorporate a snake. Hougart also notes that family members are authorized to produce jewelry stamped with the EFFIE C stamp, so the mark identifies the family workshop as well as the artist.
About Effie Calavaza
Effie Calavaza (1928–2019) was a Zuni silversmith, active since the 1950s, best known for nugget work and for designs that incorporate a snake motif. She frequently worked in coral and Sleeping Beauty turquoise, and she collaborated with her husband, Juan Calavaza. Her work is documented in standard references on Native American jewelry and hallmarks.
Bassman's Zuni Jewelry documents a matching coral and Sleeping Beauty turquoise set by Effie Calavaza dated to 1991, an example of the stone-and-silver work her hallmark accompanies.
A piece by Effie Calavaza
A Zuni turquoise snake cuff by Effie Calavaza, from the T.Skies gallery. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. — entry for Effie Calavaza (1928–2019; Zuni), mark EFFIE C., snake motif.
- Bahti, Mark. Silver & Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers — Effie Calavaza, mark EFFIE C. ZUNI; collaborated with Juan Calavaza.
- Bassman, Rita. Zuni Jewelry, p. 37 — coral and Sleeping Beauty turquoise set by Effie Calavaza (1991).
- T.Skies Native American Hallmarks Library — mark photographed from a piece in the T.Skies gallery.
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This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.