Wilbur
Iule is son of Horace Iule and Lupe Iule; brother of Cecilia Iule, Robert Iule,
Barney Iule, Phillip Iule, and Ruby Lupe Leekity. Is wife is Marilyn Iule. Wilbur
learn jewelery making from his parents Horace and Lupe. He has been actively making
jewelry since the 1980s and is noted for cast work, nuggets, buckles and crosses.
The late Horace Iule (1901-1978) was
well known for his crosses. Horace worked with his wife Lupe Iule, who was from
San Felipe Pueblo. They were married in 1933, and had six children. Horace was
taught blacksmithing at the Phoenix Indian School and silversmithing by his father.
He later became a teacher of silversmithing at the Zuni Day School. In 1928, Horace
created the knifewing figure in silver jewelry and he was perhaps the first master
Zuni artisan. He has been described as versatile and skilled and a master of
many elements of construction techniques, including casting and wrought-works
and lapidary. According to the Extension Service in 1932 "Horace is considered
to be the best jewelry maker of his tribe and won first prize on a collection
at the recent Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and Fair at Gallup NM."
Reference:
American Indian Jewelry II: A-L 1800 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.