Vivian Tsethlikai — Zuni Silversmith
Vivian Tsethlikai is a Zuni jeweler working in needlepoint and petit point since the 1950s, and a teacher of the next generation. Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks lists her as Zuni, active since the 1950s in needlepoint, petit point and stone sets (Hougart 2022, p. 317). Gregory Schaaf's American Indian Jewelry I lists her as Zuni, active from 1951 in needlepoint, petit point and snake eyes, and records that she taught her children (Schaaf 2003, p. 310).
Theda and Michael Bassman's Zuni Jewelry pictures combs of turquoise and coral petit point by Vivian Tsethlikai (Bassman and Bassman 2006, p. 26).
Her hallmark
Hougart gives the mark V. T. ZUNI (Hougart 2022, p. 317), and Schaaf records that she signs V.T. ZUNI (Schaaf 2003, p. 310).
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks: Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders. 5th edition. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003.
- Bassman, Theda, and Michael Bassman. Zuni Jewelry. Photographs by Gene Balzer. Revised and expanded 3rd edition. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2006.
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.