Sterling Silver Double Matrix Design Belt Buckle [SOLD]

Navajo tribal native Jerry Roan (1919-1997) had a long and productive life as a silversmith and jewelry maker.  He began actively working at silversmithing around 1968 and continued for almost 30 years.  In 1969, a year after he began smithing, he won a 1st Award at the Navajo Tribal Fair in Arizona.  

Roan was included in the 2002 exhibit “Jewels of the Southwest” at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe.  His work is included in the collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, and the Yellowhorse Museum in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

This buckle has a cast upper section overlaid on silver sheet for backing. It is designed to accommodate a belt width of 1-1/2 inch.  It is stamped sterling and with the hallmark joined initials JR.

Condition: very good condition with minor scratches as expected

Provenance: from the estate of a long-time Adobe Gallery client who had a collection of 40 belt buckles.  This one was purchased in 1995.

Biographical Reference: American Indian Jewelry III: M-Z, 2,100 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf