Chris Muka Desert Jewelry

Local Maker Chris Muka has nurtured a passion for deserts for over 45 years, including building an extensive cactus collection. As a child Chris was enthralled with learning about First Nations people and exploring his heritage as a member of the Cherokee. Through his frequent travels to Arizona, these two interests united when he explored the desert landscapes of First Nations people there. He felt a special serendipitous connection to the turquoise mine on Ithaca Peak located in Kingman, Arizona, a location mined for over 6,000 years. These necklaces were crafted with turquoise from Ithaca Peak and dried wood from jumping cholla cactus from the Sonoran Desert. Chris is excited to share his passion for desert materials with the Ithacans of the Finger Lakes Region!