I have been trying to find out who made this pin. It is signed TEX. I came across something this morning that suggested the artist is Harry Deutsawe, but I cant find any other signed pieces attributed to him. I also can’t find info for him other than he worked around the 1950’s. He is mentioned in a Zuni jewelry book, but alas it is not available at my local library. Any thoughts or information about this piece, or Deutsawe?
Thanks!
SOURCE: https://www.schifferbooks.com/figural-designs-in-zuni-jewelry-5437.html
on that link look for the link under picture that says “look inside”
I am not familiar with that artist. It is always difficult to determine this age of Zuni work. You will notice the two butterflies in the book have similarities but when you look to the bottom wing they are significantly different. Has a look more like this one by Lee Edaakie.
You will just have a difficult time finding the artist name. Your piece is beautiful and enjoy it. The TEX is a traders code. I worked once for a company that used Hopi Basket X. So that would make the cost of this pin 980, which would translate to $9.80 for the time period. I do not know what the code is for this piece.
Ok, good to know. Finally I can stop trying to find out who signed it, ha! Thanks for the information. Now I can enjoy it without feeling like I need to learn more about it. Thanks!
Hi Chris,
New member here. I have a beautiful necklace with the markings TEX (X) on the back. My grandmother’s turquoise jewelry collection was passed down to me from my mother. I have not been able to find another necklace that looks like mine. Large figure (Rainbow Man?) at the bottom with smaller figures up both sides of the necklace, then silver beads. Would you have any information that might point me to the type and maker? Thank you, Reddog53
I believe you started a thread with a pic of this item, but I wanted to say welcome to Turquoise People!
Thank you very much for your warm welcome.
Best. Reddog53
Late to the party, but what stands out to me is that the “TEX” legend was inscribed with an electric engraver. This piece likely predates the tool used for engraving by 15 - 20 years, so this isn’t a marking from the maker. Could be a cost code, or sell for price, and if so using a vibratory engraver for this purpose was really a bone head move.
When my grandparents were broken into in the 70’s and many items stolen (sterling flatware, our grandmother’s jewelry including her squash blossom and fetish necklaces etc), our grandpa engraved his SS# on EVERYTHING engraveable 
that wasn’t stolen… we’ll never be able to sell any of it (totally fine, lots of girls in our family). It’s been a running joke in our family
