Hopi Square Overlay Bird Screw Back Earrings [SOLD]

The Hopi overlay style was first used after World War II when the US government funded a program for Hopi veterans which developed into the Hopi Arts & Crafts Silvercraft Co-op Guild . These earrings are a good example of Hopi overlay made with a unique design element of a bird. Hopi designs are more often abstract renditions of birds, and these are uniquely realistic. The earrings are unsigned, well crafted, and in excellent condition.

More information about the Hopi Arts & Crafts Silvercraft Co-op Guild :

In 1947, after World War II, returning Hopi Pueblo servicemen were trained at silversmithing founded under the G.I. bill. The belated Paul Saufkie, Sr. was technical instructor and the late Fred Kobotie taught design at the school. Although many techniques of making silver were used, the overlay style gradually emerged as the dominate style. This simple, unique, elegant jewelry is now considered essentially the “Hopi-style of jewelry”.

In 1949, the Hopi Arts & Crafts Silvercraft Co-op Guild was established with its own hallmark. The Guild's purpose was to produce, purchase, promote, and sell handcrafts and jewelry. The Guild has its own building on Hopi Pueblo—Second Mesa, Arizona. Any artist/craftsman (potter, basket maker, weaver or silversmith) can display and sell their work and half the building is devoted to the silversmiths.

To assure authenticity, all Guild jewelry bears both the Hopi Guild sun symbol and individual silversmith's clan mark (their hallmark). Hopi jewelry sold outside of the guild is usually marked with either the silversmith's clan symbol or a registered silversmith's signature or initials. So, when you buy from Guild members, you are buying superior and genuine pieces of jewelry.