Della Casa Appa facts for kids

Della Casa Appa (1889-1963) was a very important Zuni woman. She was one of the first Zuni women to become a famous jeweler. The Zuni are a group of Native American people. They are also called Pueblo people and live in the Zuni River valley.

Who Was Della Casa Appa?

Della Casa Appa was born in 1889 and lived until 1963. She became well-known for her beautiful jewelry. At a time when few women were recognized jewelers, she stood out. Her work helped to shape how Native American jewelry is seen today.

Early Life and Jewelry Making

Della Casa Appa started her journey in jewelry making by helping her husband. She learned many skills from him. Later, she began to create her own pieces. She sold her jewelry at a place called a trading post. This trading post was owned by Charles Garrett Wallace. Trading posts were like stores where Native American artists could sell their crafts.

A Special Honor

The Zuni community soon noticed Della Casa Appa's amazing talent. They recognized her skills as a silversmith and jeweler. She received a very special honor. She was given a "ceremonial affiliation" with the Ant fraternity. This was a rare achievement for anyone who made silver jewelry. It was even more rare for a woman at that time.

Leaving a Legacy

Della Casa Appa was part of a special group of artists. These artists helped to set high standards for Native American jewelry. Their beautiful work showed the world the amazing artistry of the Zuni people. Della Casa Appa's creations are still admired today. She left a lasting mark on the world of jewelry.