Silver Belt Buckle with Corn and Pottery Designs

This belt buckle was made by Hopi Pueblo artist James Selina. It dates to the 1980s, and it makes fine use of the Hopi overlay style. In the center of the buckle, a pot appears, with a bear claw design set within it. The pot is flanked by two corn stalks, which rise from spiraling wave designs. Jagged elements hanging from the top symbolize lighting, while vertical lines set within represent rain.

The back of the buckle is signed with Selina's flute rattle hallmark, stamped Sterling and his flute rattle hallmark.

James Selina (1960- ) is a Hopi Pueblo artist who has been actively making jewelry since the 1980s. He is from Shungopavi, Second Mesa. His brothers Michael, Philbert, Roger and Vinton are also jewelers. 

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Silver Belt Buckle with Corn and Pottery Designs is from a private collection, originally purchased in 1985 in Tucson, Arizona

Reference: The Little Book of Marks on Southwestern Silver, by Bille Hougart. 

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, jewelry, James Selina