Hopi Silver Overlay Buckle with Swirl Serpentine Design [SOLD]

Anderson Koinva was born in 1956 in Shungopavi Village on Second Mesa. He is a plumber by trade, and has been painting and carving since his teens. He learned to make Hopi overlay jewelry from his wife’s father, famous Hopi jeweler, Bernard Dawahoya. His rounded, bold style is like his father-in-law’s work, but with his own distinctive style.

The coiled serpent is a design that Koinva uses frequently. He has cut the top layer of silver to resemble a snake curling over the rounded shape of the buckle.  The curved shape of the buckle makes the snake appear three-dimensional.

Condition: The Hopi Silver Overlay Buckle with Swirl Serpentine Design is in good condition, it shows slight wear that is consistent with loving use, but there are no major flaws.  It is signed with his hallmark, a sun and snake, representing his clans.

Provenance: From the estate of a former client who amassed a collection of 40 Native-made belt buckles.  We have posted 35 of them on our site and the remaining ones from the collection will be added as we receive them.

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present by Margaret Dubin