Zuni artist, Effie Calavaza is from Zuni, New Mexico. She is famous for her snake designs. Although she learned silversmithing from her husband Juan Calavaza, she has been making her own designs since 1956. Her pieces are collected throughout the world.

Snake Medicine - In some Native American tribes, the snake is considered to represent the same properties as lightning or the lightning arrow. They often have a similar visual form. The snake does not symbolize anything negative or treacherous. Rather, the snake represents abundant rainfall and fertility. Other tribes use the snake as a healing image or for swiftness in battle.

We here in Colorado live with snakes - they are part of the landscape and ecosystem. Since our climate is semi-arid, we welcome the abundant rainfall the snake might bring.