Inlayed Mandela Pendant on Handmade Chain, 2006
by Steve Gunnyon (1952-2015), Yakama and Chippewa Nations
sterling silver, inlays of onyx, coral, ivory, opal, turquoise, sugilite and lapis
pendant: 6” long x 1.75” wide, chain: 20” long
*the chain can be worn separately
Artist and jeweler Steve Gunnyon was born in Toppenish, WA in 1952. He was a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe and of Yakama descent. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle, and the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In the late 60's and 70's he was actively involved in the civil rights of Native Americans. He was the director of the Advocacy for Survival of American Indians and worked to sensitize and educate the larger non-Native community on issues confronting Native Americans, i.e. social justice, land rights and fishing rights.
Steve worked in the mediums of sterling silver, gold, and oil paint. He is widely recognized for his creation of the eagle feather design in silver in 1975, and his more elaborate pieces relating to the material cultures of the Plateau and Northern Plains Indian tribes including jewelry works, feather fans, shields and war dance bustles. His designs in jewelry were outstanding, and as a result won many blue ribbons at Indian art shows, including the famous SWAIA Indian Market in Santa Fe, NM where he took best of show and best of division several times.
Steve passed away peacefully at his home in Madras, Oregon on May 25, 2015.
