ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Made by Hopi artist "PHILLIP SEKAQUAPTEWA" who unfortunately is no longer with us & was widely known for his incredibly made pieces of art there were done in metal form.(1948-2003).His jewelry happened to be so well crafted, that he went on to win numerous awards for his masterpiece styles of Hopi overlay,which included winning an award at our Santa Fe Indian Market and was included in the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture exhibit “Jewels of the Southwest” in 2002.Phillip's work is also in the collection of the Peabody Museum at Harvard University.
Passing of cancer at such a young age, he left a legacy of jewelry that has only gone into collector's hands who collect nothing but "Finer" style Native American jewelry.He was active in Hopi ceremonies, where he participated in dancing & singing during the ceremonies..He was apart of the eagle clan, from the village of Hotevilla on Third Mesa.
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BUCKLE:
Now this is a RARE find! Phillip takes us right to the sacred Hopi Snake Dance ceremony & through this piece of art,he let us experience this dance as if we are there..It's an amazing piece of art & all the finest of detail you can see,with very little left out.They are in ceremonial attire with 3 figures in the buckle..One is holding the snake while dancing,while the other is kneeling & looks to be communicating with the snake that's on the ground(See all photos)

These figures have all the finest of detail within,from the headdresses,eyes,arm bands,skirts,moccasins,etc. Each have a dual texture finish, where they are partially made with a smooth sterling finish & partially with a texture finish, which helps to define the ceremonial dress.(see photo 5) The actual cut art sits raised above the base of the oxidized background.(see photo 6)

 My guess is this is probably a 10-12 gauge sterling,which is very durable & solid.

UNISEX