Philbert Poseyesva, Hopi
- Sterling Silver Overlay |
About Native American authenticity.
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Philbert Poseyesva, Hopi | ||||||||||||
1 5/8" x 1 7/8" drop.
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Adjustable 14 1/2" to 19". Sides 4 1/8" x 5/8". Large ring clasp. |
What is Overlay?Native American overlay pieces are made of two layers of sterling silver. The bottom layer is a solid piece while the top layer has a cutout design. The cutout layer is placed over the bottom layer and the two pieces are "sweated" together, heated so that they become one solid piece of sterling silver. The bottom layer, or background, that shows through the cut out portion of the top layer is often darkened for contrast. Hopi
silversmiths typically texture the background layer with hash marks while Navajo
artists often leave the background smooth. Hopi artists tend to use geometric
designs and symbols similar to those used in their pottery and baskets. Navajo
silversmiths tend to create scenes depicting everyday life using people, animals,
buildings and landscapes to tell a story - this style is called "overlay storyteller
jewelry". Read
more about overlay here. |
What is a Kokopelli?The kokopelli, flute player, often associated with the Hopi Flute Clan is the symbol of happiness, joy and fertility. Usually depicted as a non-gender figure, it was traditionally a male figure, often well endowed until the missionaries discouraged such depiction ! Kokopelli talks to the wind and the sky. His flute can be heard in the spring breeze, bringing warmth after the winter cold. He is the symbolic seed bringer and water sprinkler. His religious or supernatural power for fertility is meant to invoke rain as well as impregnate women both physically and mentally. The kokopelli image is found from Casa Grande, Mexico to the Hopi and Rio Grande Pueblos and then westward to the Californian deserts in prehistoric rock, effigy figures, pottery, and on kiva walls. |
About Silver100% solid silver won't tarnish but it is too soft to use for making jewelry - it could easily be scratched, dented and bent. Sterling silver has a small amount of one or more other metals usually copper, added to the silver. To be called sterling silver, the alloy must contain at least 92.5% pure silver. Sterling silver alloy is harder than pure silver but the added metals also can cause discoloration or tarnish. |
NOTE:
Items in our Vintage Shop are either USED or NEW. They might come from inheritances,
estate sales, private collections, and store liquidations. Many items are brand
new (NOS, New Old Stock) and in perfect condition while others may show tarnish,
scratches and other signs of use. Major issues will be described in detail and
shown in photos. Vintage Shop items are sold as described and are not returnable. |
Horsekeeping
LLC - Definitions of Jewelry Age and Condition © 2015 Horsekeeping LLC © Copyright Information | |
Patina | A dark or colored film of oxidation that forms naturally on metal exposure to air and other elements. It is often valued for its aesthetically pleasing appearance. |
Vintage | 30 years or older. |
NOS | New Old Stock. Retail store inventory from at least 10 years ago. |
Pre-owned | An item that has been used. |
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