Hopi Design Silver Overlaid Eagle Belt Buckle by Jackson.

This unique design is full of spirit. This heavy gauge belt buckle was entirely hand made from start to finish and is perfect down to the matting. This buckle features the overlaid image of a traditional Eagle design with the Hopi Tawa Sun Kachina representing life, growth, strength of spirit, and abundance. This image was hand cut with perfect precision out of nickel Silver and overlaid onto the nickel Silver buckle. The nickel Silver will hold a finish that won't tarnish. Made in our shop by local artist Jackson. This impressive buckle is 2-1/2" tall by 3-1/4" wide with a 1-1/2" wide keeper on the back. Stamped Handmade and signed by the artist.

To Native Americans, the eagle embodied not only ferocity but also purity, for it flew high in the atmosphere, where the air was clearest - and where, in the belief of many Indians, the Great Spirit resided. Those who wished to ask something of the Great Spirit sometimes sent their message by way of the eagle spirit. Some believe birds to be symbols of the soul, as well as intermediaries to the gods. Seeking their cooperation, Native Americans have plied bird spirits with offerings and performed dances to honor and beseech them. Pleas are sent skyward in the smoke of burning tobacco. Feathers are often considered the most potent part of the bird and are passed down as cherished symbols of the power bestowed by those creatures that soar in the lofty realms where many of the gods dwell.

Overlay is created by "sweating" or soldering two pieces of silver together. The top piece contains a design element which is meticulously hand cut out of silver. The bottom piece is oxidized and often textured with stamping to produce a contrasting background. Once together the work is carefully filed, buffed, and polished to produce this fine finish.