Silver Appliqué Ram Belt Buckle by Zuni Pueblo Artist J. Quam [SOLD]

We have had the pleasure of seeing a few pieces of jewelry by artist J. Quam of Zuni Pueblo and each is as stunning as the last— and there is nothing quite like a ram’s head belt buckle. The buckle is silver throughout and includes soldered belt affixtures on the back and would easily be added to any belt. Although substantial, this buckle is not overly weighted.  

The vertical edges of the buckle are polished and gleaming— simple silver.  Horizontal edges are ridged and stamped in a way that suggests mountains and their reflections.  Each interior corner is channeled and fitted with silver appliqué pieces in swirls and ornamental shapes. The central flanking sections to the ram’s head are banded with squares of bright sky-blue turquoise, rectangles of saturated red coral, and glistening warm and cool pieces of pearl.  

The central portion is silver with a thick, strong frame and matching inner backing.  Inlaid perfectly into the silver sits a robust male ram whose body is made from highly polished petrified wood.  Abalone for eyes peer out in a life-like way underneath a crown of incised pearl horns.  The artist has shown his ability to extrapolate across categories of jewelry while maintaining his distinct style and vision. 

Although we are unfamiliar with much about the artist, this piece is signed J Quam.  When the “Q” of the hallmark is not in cursive, such as this piece, this refers to J. Quam senior.  Art works signed this way are very much known for large, bold pieces of jewelry featuring much silver bezel work and animal motifs. This work is typical of jewelry made by the Zuni people, of which we believe J. Quam to be.  This particular style of jewelry making typically includes mosaic work with very thin and small portions of stones, with precise inlay and silver bases.

This belt buckle and a matching cuff (our item #C4569B) were made as a pair.  They are being offered separately at this time but may be purchased as a pair.

Condition: nice patina, and overall, in very good condition. 

Provenance: This Silver Appliqué Ram Belt Buckle by Zuni Pueblo Artist J. Quam is from an estate in eastern Washington. 

Recommended Reading: Zuni: A Village of Silversmiths by James Ostler

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo