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Hopi Signed Sterling Silver Belt Buckle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Hopi Signed Sterling Silver Belt Buckle
Included in this lot is a signed sterling silver belt buckle by Hopi artists, Gary and Elsie Yoyokie. Gary and Elsie Yoyokie have been actively making overlay jewelry since the 1960's. Gary and Elsie Yoyokie live on Third Mesa, Arizona at Kykotsmovi on the Hopi Reservation. The Yoyokies produce intricate and innovative designs grounded in traditional patterns. Their work is so precise, Elsie reports, that "we were invited to Japan to show our technique. People think we cut out the designs by machine because the cutting is so perfect." To create his designs, Gary makes templates based on Hopi symbols for water, clouds, and rain, which he arranges into original patterns. During their distinguished career as silversmiths, the Yoyokies have won many awards at major shows and exhibits, including the Santa Fe Indian Market, where their unique jewelry has won dozens of ribbons, such as Best of Division awards. The Yoyokies were selected as Fellowship winners by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts in 1993, in recognition of their beautifully designed and crafted silverwork. They were also honored by the Museum of Northern Arizona, which presented the Yoyokies with the Charles Loloma Award of Excellence. This spectacular piece is hallmarked "G Y E Y" with chisel stamp on the back, along with "Sterling". This piece measures 3" by 2".