Four-Groove Tufa Cast All-Sterling Silver Cuff by Bennie Bowakaty, Zuni

Bennie Bowakaty, a Zuni silversmith, produced this all-sterling silver cuff using the tufa cast technique — carving four parallel grooves into volcanic tufa stone molds and pouring molten silver — preserving the natural texture of the mold on the surface. Tufa casting is an ancient Southwest silversmithing method that produces a distinctive matte, granular finish impossible to replicate with modern casting. Bowakaty's Zuni heritage makes this an unusual example of tufa work, which is more commonly associated with Navajo smiths. Available exclusively through Turquoise Mustang.