Effie Calavaza facts for kids
Effie Calavaza (born 1928) is a famous Native American artist. She is known for making beautiful jewelry. Effie is part of the Zuni tribe.
What Makes Effie Calavaza's Jewelry Special?
Effie Calavaza began making silver jewelry in 1956. She learned this skill, called silversmithing, from her husband, Juan. Her special style features snakes. These snakes often wrap around big, colorful gemstones.
Some common stones she uses are turquoise, coral, and onyx. She sets these stones in silver pieces. She makes many items like earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. She also creates watches and belt buckles.
Snakes are very important to the Zuni people. They are symbols of healing and new life. Many art experts think Effie is a very important Zuni jewelry artist. Her amazing work is shown in art galleries all over the world.
About Effie Calavaza's Life
Effie Calavaza was born in 1928. Her birthplace was Zuni, New Mexico. She lived there her whole life. Her birth name was Effie Lankeseon.
She married Juan Calavaza. He was also a jewelry artist. Juan taught Effie how to make jewelry. Until Juan passed away in 1970, she signed her work with his name, "JUAN C.–ZUNI". Later, she started signing her own work. She used "EFFIE C.–ZUNI" in a small, clear print.
Effie has three daughters. Their names are Georgiana Yatsatti, Gloria Jean Garcia, and Susie Calavaza. Effie kept making jewelry throughout her life. She also helped her daughters with their jewelry work.
