Ring - Turquoise & Sterling Silver, CJSUF-2055

Annie Quam Gasper and Ellen Quandelacy were sisters from Zuni Pueblo. Both were born in the 1920s and died in the early 2000s. They were known to collaborate on jewelry, but they specialized in very distinct styles.

Annie preferred to work on channel inlay in a hummingbird design she created.  Ellen preferred to work on fetish necklaces, but also excelled in channel inlay. Although their styles were similar, Annie credited another well-known artist, Horace Iule, with teaching her the basics of making jewelry and Ellen credited their father, Johnny Quam.

Annie Gasper made bracelets, link chains, earrings, necklaces, pendants, pins, rings, squash blossom necklaces, wedding bands, fetish necklaces. Annie’s favorite designs were the hummingbird, deer, Sun face and the peacock.

 Her jewelry and fetish carvings have won many prestigious awards. Annie Gasper’s jewelry and carvings are collected worldwide. Her children, Lynn and Rhoda, are noted artists as well.