Antique Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Native Hopi Overlay Geometric Bracelet 23.3g

We have similar Hopi and Stamped items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Listing Description by: Angela A. Age Circa: Antique Native Hopi C.

Markings : Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed. Country of Origin: United States - Hopi Nation. Gram Weight: 23.3 grams. Inner circumference, not including the cuff gap: 6.0.

Cuff gap adds an additional: 0.96. Total wearable length, including the cuff gap: 6.96. Closure/Clasp Type : The bracelet is meant to be worn over the wrist through the gap. Link Type : Rounded and polished sterling silver.

Handmade during the 1960s by a talented Hopi artisan. Adorning the outside of the band are hand-stamped linear and triangular geometric motifs. The band showcases a unique curving design. The inside of the band is smooth and polished for comfortable and secure wear.

There is light tarnish on the sterling silver in some areas, which gives the bracelet a lovely antique quality. This listing is for the item only. This beautiful piece was made by a very talented Native American silversmith. It features handcrafted silversmith work throughout. Antique Native American jewelry is very rare to find.

This is due to these pieces being made for reservation and personal use before the tourist trade became popular. Very few pieces were made and even less survived to today.

The concept of Pawn, Old Pawn, and Dead Pawn Native American Jewelry came to be in the 1800s. When a loan wasnt repaid, the item became known as either Old Pawn or Dead Pawn. The members of the Hopi nation are the oldest continuous inhabitants of Arizona and are known for their beautiful jewelry made of sterling silver. Prior to first contact with Spanish colonialists and explorers, Hopi jewelry was made from carved stones, shell, bone, and wood which not only served as decoration or ornamentation but as religious and spiritual objects as well. Historians believe that Sikyatala of Walpi was the first member of the Hopi nation to learn the art of silversmithing, which he in turn introduced to the early Hopi silversmiths.

Initially, Hopi jewelry was similar in design to pieces being created by the Navajo and Zuni and was commonly made out of recycled shell casings and copper wire. It wasnt until after World War II that Hopi silversmiths developed their own distinct style utilizing a technique known as overlay. This technique was combined with ancient cultural symbolism and beliefs to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry that are highly sought after. Hopi overlay jewelry was first developed following the Second World War by Hopi silversmiths and jewelers as they created their own distinct style of jewelry, setting themselves apart from Zuni and Navajo silversmiths.

This silversmithing technique involves punching designs out of a sheet of sterling silver which is then overlaid over another sheet of silver. The two sheets are soldered together, resulting in a raised design.

To create contrast in the piece, parts of the lower sheet of silver are darkened using various patina agents. The designs used in these pieces of jewelry vary amongst artisans, but Hopi katsinam appear most commonly. What katsinam mean to the Hopi varies and cannot be easily defined in English. Katsinam are often likened to spirits of deceased ancestors or gods, natural elements, or animals, which bring rain and gifts to children. These motifs, combined with the Hopi overlay technique, have resulted in truly unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Buyers will have 3 base. The item "Antique Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Native Hopi Overlay Geometric Bracelet 23.3g" is in sale since Saturday, November 21, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Ethnic, Regional & Tribal\Native American\Bracelets". The seller is "abeautifultimeco" and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Country of Origin: United States
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Style: Cuff
Metal Purity: .925
Main Stone: No Stone
Metal: Sterling Silver
Jewelry Type: Bracelets
Tribal Affiliation: Hopi