Navajo Sterling Silver Buffalo Ring

Calvin Peterson - Navajo Sterling Silver
Overlay Buffalo Ring
HK Item #NR520

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About Native American authenticity.

Paula says - "The crisp detail that the husband and wife team of Calvin and Betty Peterson achieves in these overlay rings just amazes me."

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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.

BUFFALO MEDICINE - Buffalo was the major source of sustenance for indigenous cultures of the plains, giving meat for food, hides for shelter and clothing, and Spirit Medicine. The appearance of Buffalo is a sign that prayers are being heard, that the sacred pipe and Spirit are being honored. Buffalo signals a time of abundance, prosperity and thankfulness.The medicine of Buffalo is prayer, gratitude and praise for that which has been received. Buffalo Medicine is also knowing that abundance is present when all relations are honored as sacred, and when gratitude is expressed to every living part of creation, recognizing the sacredness of every walk of life.