Denise Wallace Jewelry
CONGRATULATIONS!
March 2020: WINNER 2020 Heard Museum Indian Fair:
Best of Class, JEWELRY & LAPIDARY and First Place, Belts:
Denise Wallace (ALEUT): "Yup'ik Dancer Belt"
First Place, Necklaces:
Denise Wallace and Dawn Wallace : "Seal Spirit Necklace"
Denise Wallace (Chugach/Sugpiaq, b. 1957) is a contemporary artist inspired by a timeless connection between her people and the northwest coast of North America. Thousands of years have passed since humans found a home in this region, yet the link between animals, plants and the environment continues, and the themes of Denise Wallace's jewelry are as rooted in history as they are inspirational for the future.
Denise first grabbed our attention in the 1980’s with jewelry built with unmatched skill, and designs that were uniquely synthesized from the beauty found in the history of her people. Equal to her skills as a designer and metalsmith, the lapidary art of Denise’s husband Samuel Wallace (1936 - 2010) found an outlet in these forms as well, and the two together created a body of work that has been appreciated as jewelry, art, and cultural iconography. Included in private and public collections around the world, “Denise Wallace” jewelry is worn, displayed, coveted and admired. Many awards, accolades and sold-out shows later, they have been featured artists in national television broadcasts, books, magazines and museum retrospectives.
The Long Ago & Far Away Gallery in Manchester, Vermont, has been representing the Wallaces since 1988, and our first solo show with them was in 1991. Since that period, much has changed - Denise and Samuel closed their studio in Santa Fe to relocate to Hawaii and their two children, Dawn and David, have grown into their own roles as award-winning artists. A great loss for all of us was the passing of Samuel in 2010.
We are pleased to present for sale a selection of vintage Denise and Samuel Wallace Jewelry created over the last twenty years. Each piece is in pristine condition and is an artistic representation of a culture that has existed for millennia. We look forward to discussing the pieces included in the collection below, all of which are here in our Vermont gallery and ready to find a new home with you.
As always, we appreciate your questions and comments.
Grant and Betsy Turner. Owners
Long Ago & Far Away Gallery
Manchester Center, Vermont
Please sign up for our mailing list and we'll keep you informed about updated availability of jewelry by this artist. For those of you in Arizona, Denise will be a featured artist at the 2020 Heard Museum Indian Art Fair in downtown Phoenix on the weekend of March 7 & 8, 2020. You can find more information about this event here: 2020 Heard Museum Indian Fair & Market
You can get an overview of the way Denise and her family work by viewing this 2007 segment of Craft In America (PBS) which tells their story.
Yup'ik Dancer Belt by Denise And Samuel Wallace (1997)
$ 0.00
Yup'ik Dancer Belt by Denise And Samuel Wallace (1997)
We believe this is the most important piece of Native American jewelry available on the market today. It is worthy of lengthy discussion and we hope you will contact us directly for more information. In the meantime, enjoy some photos of the whole belt, as well as straightforward shots of the fifteen main elements.
Comments from the artist, Denise:
The Yupik dances are some of the most entertaining in the communities of Alaska. The elders fully participate in the dances which start out lively but seem to escalate in energy and effort with a friendly competitive engagement which is mutually supportive and entertaining. In making this belt, Denise wanted to be able to communicate the action of the dancers and the magnificence of the Yupik style.
When the Wallaces made this belt they knew it would be their last belt. There are twenty major pieces which comprise this masterpiece and they did not feel that they wanted to put that much of a time and effort commitment into just one piece again. Denise feels that this belt is comparable to the Crossroads belt in that they are the two most highly complicated belts She and Samuel produced.
From the book "Arctic Transformations; the Jewelry of Denise and Samuel Wallace" by Lois Sherr Dubin: "Ten dancing Yup'ik figures with ten Yup'ik masks link the figures together. This belt was inspired by the exhibition "The Living Tradition of Yup'ik Masks-Agayuliyararput: Our Way of Making Prayer". The exhibition highlighted Yup'ik masks, garments, and dance regalia. In depicting the dancer, the Wallaces are making a statement about the strength of Native cultures as well as the responsibility of each generation "to reach out, tell your stories, carry on your culture", says Denise. "The dancers are a very important part of carrying on Native traditions...through dance, the past is brought forward, and that dance or song will be passed on to each generation."
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Spirit of Driftwood Earrings by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Spirit of Driftwood Earrings by Denise Wallace
The condition of this vintage set is excellent.
2.5" tall overall; Each mask is 7/8" wide x 1 1/8" tall
Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
Woman In The Moon Earrings by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Woman In The Moon Earrings by Denise Wallace; Circa mid-1990's
The condition of this vintage piece is excellent; Some of the 'spokes' are accented with 14Kt Gold.
1.25" tall; 1" wide
Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
From the artist: "This design comes from a mask carved by both Eskimo and Athabascan natives. The idea of the Woman In The Moon reminds us of our sister who became the Moon. The designs on the cheeks or chins were added by our neighbors, the Athabascans. We have included these designs in our work. This design is one of the pieces I have worked with for some time. The first "Woman in the Moon" reminded me of my grandmother. As a result, I think of her through the design."
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Woman In The Moon Ring by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Woman In The Moon Ring by Denise Wallace; Circa mid 1990's; With a hinged Mask door and 14Kt Gold accents.
Ring Size 8
The top element is 1.5" tall.
The condition of this vintage piece is excellent.
Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
From the artist: "This design comes from a mask carved by both Eskimo and Athabascan natives. The idea of the woman in the moon reminds us of our sister who became the Moon. The designs on the cheeks or chins were added by our neighbors, the Athabascans. We have included these designs in our work. This design is one of the pieces I have worked with for some time. The first "Woman in the Moon" reminded me of my grandmother. As a result, I think of her through the design."
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Woman In The Moon Bracelet by Denise Wallace #67 of 200
$ 0.00
Woman In The Moon Bracelet by Denise Wallace #67 of 200
The central Face has a hinged Mask door; each face is accented with 14Kt Gold.
The condition of this vintage piece is excellent.
This bracelet is slightly adjustable. It is currently set to fit a wrist with a 6.25" circumference; The opening gap is 1.1".
Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
From the artist: "This design comes from a mask carved by both Eskimo and Athabascan natives. The idea of the Woman In The Moon reminds us of our sister who became the Moon. The designs on the cheeks or chins were added by our neighbors, the Athabascans. We have included these designs in our work. This design is one of the pieces I have worked with for some time. The first "Woman in the Moon" reminded me of my grandmother. As a result, I think of her through the design."
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Fisherwoman's Mask Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Fisherwoman's Mask Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace, #55 of a Limited Edition of 100.
The condition of this vintage piece is excellent.
The overall dimensions of this piece are 2.5" tall and 2" wide.
Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Female Sea Otter Pin or Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Female Sea Otter Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace. *Vintage
This is #74 of a Limited Edition of 200. Circa early 1990's.
About 2 1/2" wide; 1 1/2" tall. This classic piece wears beautifully as a horizontal pendant, and makes a great lapel pin.
Materials are Sterling Silver, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
This piece is in good condition - please call for more information and to purchase!
Woman-In-The-Moon Ring by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Woman-In-The-Moon Ring by Denise Wallace. *vintage
Circa 1990.
The face of this ring is the smaller of the two sizes Denise has made (the outer ring around the face is about 1.25" tall). The mask "door" opens to reveal the Inua - the Woman In The Moon's human face. It is a Size 6.5 Ring;
Sterling Silver, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Seal Design Pendant (with removable inner seal) by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Seal Design Pin/Pendant (with removable inner seal) by Denise Wallace *vintage
A very early piece, from October, 1986.
This is a multi-faceted piece - it can be worn as a pin or as a pendant and the inner seal piece can be removed by opening the 'door'. Or, the inner seal can be worn as a pendant by itself.
About 3.5" long
Sterling Silver, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Killer Whale Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Killer Whale Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace. *Vintage
Circa 1988
Many of Denise's early pieces honored the Orca - the Wolf of the Sea. This Sterling Silver Pin or Pendant is highlighted with inlays of Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Sugilite and Lapis Lazuli.
2.5" long; 2.75" tall
Walrus Shaman Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Walrus Shaman Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace. *vintage
From 1987.
This piece represents a Walrus Shaman - open his mask to reveal his singing, joyful face! This really interesting piece is completely fashioned from only two materials - Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory and Sterling Silver (and a bit of ink).
2.75" tall
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Mother Seal with Baby Pendant by Denise Wallace c.1988
$ 0.00
Mother Seal with Baby Pendant by Denise Wallace *vintage
circa 1988
A beautiful mother-and-baby themes Pin or Pendant. The little baby is held in place by a pin (fashioned as a fish!) and can be removed. Cute!
About 3.5" long
Sterling Silver, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Killer Whale/Wolf Transformation Bracelet by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Killer Whale/ Wolf Transformation Bracelet by Denise Wallace *vintage
Limited Edition #4/100 c.1992
Bracelet is 7¼" long.
From Denise: "This bracelet represents the Killer Whale and Wolf Transformation story. A friend’s uncle had seen Killer Whales who transformed themselves into wolves and crawled on the land. Killer Whales and wolves have similar lifestyles; they live and hunt in family pods or packs, staying together for extended periods of time, and they mate for life. They both have a hierarchical system with the family."
Sterling Silver, Fossil Walrus Ivory, Ink.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Fisherman Mask Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
"Fisherman Mask" Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace *Vintage
From October, 1987
This two-piece Pin or Pendant is Denise's interpretation of a traditional mask. The central face is that of a fisherman, and he is surrounded by a universe of sea mammals and fish. The central mask can be removed and worn as a pendant by itself. This is a one-of-a-kind piece!
3.5" tall; 2.75" wide
Sterling Silver, Fossil Mammoth Ivory, Ink. (handmade)
Fetish Earrings by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Fetish Earrings by Denise Wallace *Vintage
Limited-Edition, #8 of 100. Circa 1992.
Total length of each earring is 2⅛"
These earrings are based on small carved figures created millennia ago by the coastal people of modern day Alaska, and show a male and female figure. A note from Denise: "Many people ask the reason for the facial expressions on the male and female faces. There seem to be many different stories behind this, but the one I am going to tell you comes from my friend Chuna McIntyre. This is a short version of the story:
"At one time there was a brother and a sister. The brother flew up to the sky and turned into the sun. His sister flew up crying, and turned into the moon. Hence, the reason for the upturned mouth on the male faces, and the down-turned mouth on the female faces.""
Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossil Walrus Ivory.
Dancer Necklace by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Dancer Necklace by Denise Wallace c.1990 *Vintage
Made up of 25 connected segments which all have a dancer figure or carved Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory Face - the central element also has a mask 'door', which opens to reveal the carved face. The Sterling Silver in this necklace has all been buffed to a silk finish, and it wears beautifully. This is number 10 of a Limited Edition.
18" long
Sterling Silver, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
Woman In The Moon Pin/Pendant w/door by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Woman In The Moon Pin/Pendant w/door by Denise Wallace *vintage
Circa 1991
This is the Pin or Pendant version of Denise's Woman-In-The-Moon design. It has a hinged Silver Mask that opens to reveal the human face (INUA) of the piece.
Sterling Silver and Fossilized White Walrus Tusk Ivory. 1.5" tall at the outer edge.
From the artist: "This design comes from a mask carved by both Eskimo and Athabascan natives. The idea of the woman in the moon reminds us of our sister who became the Moon. The designs on the cheeks or chins were added by our neighbors, the Athabascans. We have included these designs in our work. This design is one of the pieces I have worked with for some time. The first "Woman in the Moon" reminded me of my grandmother. As a result, I think of her through the design."
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Woman in the Moon Earrings by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Woman-In-The-Moon Earrings by Denise Wallace *vintage
Late 1980's
These classics are Sterling Silver and Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory. This is an early pair of this design and their obvious popularity foretold so much of Denise's work to follow. These earrings are about 1.25" tall at the outer edge.
From the artist: "This design comes from a mask carved by both Eskimo and Athabascan natives. The idea of the woman in the moon reminds us of our sister who became the Moon. The designs on the cheeks or chins were added by our neighbors, the Athabascans. We have included these designs in our work. This design is one of the pieces I have worked with for some time. The first "Woman in the Moon" reminded me of my grandmother. As a result, I think of her through the design."
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Half-Man Half-Animal Mask Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Half-Man Half-Animal Mask Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace *Vintage
#1 of an edition of 5; c.1988
This is a classic transformation piece. The central face is divided into two sides, each representing the different states of transformation. As a removable, stand-alone pendant, the Man/Animal Mask can be worn on its own chain, while the outer frame can be worn as either a pendant or as a pin. Remarkable!!!
Materials are Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold and Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory
2 5/8" tall X 1 1/2" wide
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Singer Earrings by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Singer Earrings by Denise Wallace *vintage
Circa 1988
These are a longtime favorite and rarely available. It's always been inspiring to see what Denise can show with just a few simple lines.
Sterling Silver, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory.
1.5" tall; 1.2" wide
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Yup'ik Bird Mask Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Yup'ik Bird Mask Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace.
Circa 2001
About 2.5" tall and 2.5" wide
Materials are Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Fetish with Triangles Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
"Fetish with Triangles" Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace *Vintage
This design is Denise's interpretation of an ancient Ivory figure made by either the Okvik or the Old Bering Sea People of the Alaskan coast.
2" tall
Materials are Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Ink
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Caribou Hunt Ring by Denise Wallace
$ 0.00
Caribou Hunt Ring by Denise Wallace *Vintage
Name: "Caribou Hunt" Ring
Artist: Denise and Samuel Wallace
Size: The ring is a Size 6 1/2. The bezel is 11/16" tall X 5/8" wide.
Materials: Sterling Silver, Fossilized Walrus Ivory, Ink.
Comments: Circa 1990's. This ring is from the "Fabricast" line - the bezel (background) was cast in Sterling Silver and the ivory 'stone' was hand-carved and scrimshawed at Denise's Santa Fe studio. This was a design that Denise only made from time-to-time and we've never had one come up for resale before. This example is in perfect, like-new condition. The band is stamped DENISE WALLACE STERLING ©
Condition: Excellent
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
Dollmaker II Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace (#3/5)
$ 0.00
Dollmaker II Pin/Pendant by Denise Wallace (#3/5), *Vintage
(Finished on October 3,1991)
This piece is derived from an element in the Wallace's "Mother and Children" belt of 1991, and depicts a dollmaker with a recent creation. Of course, we all look at it as a mother holding a little baby, but that's kind of the idea of a doll, is it not? The doll unclips from the woman, and can be worn as a separate pendant - it, by itself, is a beautiful little piece.
Materials include Sterling Silver, 14Kt Gold, Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory, Sugilite, Chrysacholla.
Please contact us at our retail gallery for pricing and more details. We can be reached at 802-362-3435, or email us at sales@longagoandfaraway.com.
We display pendants on a variety of chains and collars which are available at extra cost - please contact us directly for quotes and advice.
*As this item contains restricted materials, it cannot be shipped outside the USA
