Mudhead Ring Artist Info, Please!

Identifying & Discovering
1

This incredibly unique ring was recently given to me by a woman now in her 80’s who owned an art gallery in Taos back in the 1970s. It is signed by the artist “Nettie L” and based on the subject matter of the mudhead, I would suppose that Nettie might likely be Zuni or Hopi but I have not been able to find any information about an artist with this hallmark. Might any of you have an idea who she is/was? I wear this piece with great respect and pride in its cultural significance.

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2

This is a beautiful ring. The Mudhead is very popular and I have seen this Kachina made by non-Zuni and Hopi artists. The hallmark is a little unusual. Most of the Zuni hallmarks you see are etched into the backside, not a stamp like this. Also, usually you have a first name initial with full last name, this is just the opposite. I can think of one last name that begins with an L that does this kind of work, Long. Helen long made Kachina rings, but I do not have any knowledge of a Nellie Long. This is a great ring and if you find out something let us know.