Native American art by Kwak'waka'wakw artist Gus Cook. 1 1/2" long including the bale. Sterling silver created by repousse and chasing with rubies set in the studs.
These earrings were created by repousse and chasing. Repousse is a technique in which the surface of the metal is pushed up, raised from behind using a number of different punches and tools to create a three dimensional design. Chasing accomplishes the opposite effect, creates details by pushing the surface down. The two techniques work together to make a three dimensional piece of art.
Read about The Art of Repousse.
Dzunukwa or Wild Woman of the Woods is a giant cannibal that lives alone deep in the forest. She is very wealthy and lives in a large treasure house. She is known to kidnap children to eat them. But she is thought to be slow witted and almost blind so that children can easily escape from her. She has many aspects - a horrible monster, and also a powerful chief's crest and a symbol of wealth.
