Silver, Turquoise and Silver Coin Belt Buckle signed Buffalo Dancer

This is a heavy silver content buckle; the total weight of the buckle is 3 ounces.  The foundation of the belt is a curved outline wavy frame with three parallel silver horizontal bars extending to the sides. There are five small round and domed turquoise cabs on each end and four on the top and bottom of the silverwork. A United States 1922 Silver Peace Dollar crowns the center. 

The name Buffalo Dancer is primarily associated with a famous jewelry studio and shop in Taos, New Mexico, that has been producing traditional Native American and Southwestern jewelry since 1974. While the name is often used as a collective hallmark for the studio, the primary Native jeweler most frequently associated with signing his work Buffalo Dancer is Lawrence Archuleta.

Born in 1959, Lawrence Archuleta of Taos Pueblo is a master silversmith who has been with the jewelry studio Buffalo Dancer since 1989. His work is highly collectible and often features old U.S. coins (like Mercury Dimes and Standing Liberty Quarters) set in heavy sterling or coin silver. While he is an individual artist, his pieces are frequently stamped with the Buffalo Dancer hallmark.

Dylan Hopper (Taos Pueblo): The son of the shop's founder, Duane Hopper. Dylan is a registered member of Taos Pueblo and a talented silversmith and leatherworker. He also produces work under the family's Buffalo Dancer hallmark.

Works signed Buffalo Dancer typically features these characteristics:

     - The Hallmark: The signature is usually the words Buffalo Dancer in a sans-serif or stamped font, often accompanied by "Taos" or "Sterling." 

     - Coin Silver: The studio is world-renowned for its use of historic U.S. coinage. It is common to see pendants, rings, or concho belts that incorporate authentic coins from the early 1900s.

     - Traditional Taos Style: The jewelry tends to be "heavy" and substantial, reflecting the bold, traditional aesthetic of Taos Pueblo craftsmanship.

Condition: appears to be in unused and mint condition

Provenance: this Silver, Turquoise and Silver Coin Belt Buckle signed Buffalo Dancer is from the estate of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: FINE INDIAN JEWELRY OF THE SOUTHWEST: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection by Shelby Tisdale, Ph.D.

TAGS: Taos Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Lawrence Archuleta, Buffalo Dancer, Taos Pueblo Master Silversmith