Hopi Silver Overlaid Mudhead Kachina Belt Buckle 0305-BB
Hopi Silver Overlaid Mudhead Kachina Belt Buckle.
This buckle is a true work of art. This incredible Hopi made belt buckle was hand made from start to finish. It features a traditional Native American Mudhead Kachina overlay design inspired from the kachina dances of the Hopi and Navajo. The image was hand cut with perfect precision out of nickel Silver for a high shine that won't tarnish. The bottom layer is textured by hand with stamping and and oxidized before the hand cut design layer is overlaid on top. Silver on Silver, you can't go wrong with that. Signed by the artist. This impressive buckle is 3" wide by 2" tall with a 1-1/2" wide keeper on the back.
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.
There are more than 250 different kachinas, each with its own separate attributes, representing everything from animals to abstract concepts. The Kachina dolls of today's art market are a bridge not only between the spiritual world and mortals but also between Hopis and non-Hopis. The Hopi were the original Kachina doll carvers, using a single piece of cottonwood root. Their traditions were not isolated and soon the Navajo began carving in their own creative way, adding leather, feathers, beads, and turquoise. Each year Kachinas come, they walk upon the earth and they dance to bring life and renewal, distribute gifts to the children, and reinforce the connection between the spirit world and the people. When the Kachinas return to the spirit world at the end of the planting, they return with the prayers of the Hopi that we might all continue on this earth for another round in the circle of life.
We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it’s important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.
CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC |