Phillip Sekaquaptewa Hopi Overlay Bracelet with Elevated Turquoise and Coral Band [SOLD]

Elegant Hopi water designs and two whimsical Kokopelli are the focal elements of this Hopi overlay bracelet. An elevated mosaic of turquoise, coral and wood adds a three-dimensional aspect to the bracelet. Tapering from ⅞” on one end to ½” on the other, Sekaquaptewa fashioned Hopi overlay designs of water and flute playing Kokopelli to rest alongside a colorful edge of uniquely colored turquoise, coral and wood. The various hues of turquoise—dark blue and pale green with navy blue matrix—make for a vivid contrast against the bright shades of red and peach colored coral in the mosaic. 

Phil Sekaquaptewa (1948-2003) Weseoma was the nephew of Emory Sekaquaptewa, an influential Hopi elder and educator who was the “Cultural Editor” on the Hopi Dictionary project, which produced the first Hopi dictionary. He was the founder, along with Phillip’s father Wayne, of Hopicrafts, a studio on Hopi’s Third Mesa. The business employed Hopi silversmiths to make overlay jewelry for sale. It is here where Phillip learned the art of working with silver. Phillip’s creativity and unique innovative techniques of using stones in addition to silver overlay earned him awards at Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Show, and the Red Earth Festival. 

The previous owners of this bracelet, Marvin and Betty Rubin traveled the country, attending the various Native American art markets, meeting the artists and getting to know them. They kept detailed records of their purchases in their collection. Their records indicate they purchased this bracelet directly from the artist in 1988. The bracelet is signed with the initials P and S with a geometric stick symbol between the two letters.

Condition: the bracelet is in excellent condition. 

Provenance: this Phillip Sekaquaptewa Hopi Overlay Bracelet with Elevated Turquoise and Coral Band is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin

Recommended Reading: Art of the Hopi: Contemporary Journeys on Ancient Pathways by Jerry Jacka

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Phillip Sekaquaptewa, Hopi Pueblo Jeweler

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