Hopi Silver Overlay Earrings with Flute Player Image [SOLD]

This pair of Hopi Pueblo silver overlay earrings by Marcus Coochwikvia is elaborate in design concept. Each earring has Kokopelli, the flute player, dancing over a design of clouds. Below the clouds is a pair of lines from which are rays representing rain. The earrings are fitted for pierced ears. Each is stamped with the silversmith's mark—one earring has the initials 

MC and the other a bear paw with nachwach, the combination of the two symbols make up the artist's mark.

What is the Hopi Nakwách? Upon first meeting and you extend your hand palm up, tradition is for the other person to extend their own hand, palm down, and clasp the hands together to form the nakwách, the ancient symbol of brotherhood.

Marcus Coochwikvia is of the Bear Clan and lives in the village of Mishongnovi at Second Mesa on the Hopi Reservation. He has been a practicing silversmith since 1972. He has received awards from Santa Fe Indian Market and Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Fair. He is widely published.

Condition: new condition

Provenance: these Hopi Silver Overlay Earrings with Flute Player Image are from the collection of a client of the gallery

Reference: American Indian Jewelry I, 1,200 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Marcus Coochwykvia