Navajo Sterling Silver Sandcast Belt Buckle [SOLD]

Tufa casting, often erroneously referred to as sand casting, is one of the earliest techniques used by the Navajo smiths. Today, it is still accomplished in the same manner as it was 150 years ago.  Casting techniques among the Navajo developed about 1875. Volcanic tuff, or tufa, which is widely available on the Navajo Reservation, is used to create molds for casting. The artisan carves the desired design into a block of tufa, and cuts a matching piece of tufa to correspond to the carved one. Molten silver is then poured into the mold, created by putting the two pieces of tufa together, to fill the carved areas. The result is an item of jewelry that could now be refined and worked to make the desired piece.

This buckle is a very traditional Navajo creation. It has the traditional balance and beauty of a sandcast piece.  The feathers radiate outward from all four sides in a very pleasing lightness.

Condition: very good condition

Recommended Reading:  Jewelry by Southwest American Indians: Evolving Designs by Nancy Schiffer

Provenance: from a long-time Santa Fe family