Zuni Silver Belt Buckle with an American Bison Insert [SOLD]

Iconic Bison: A Masterpiece of Wearable Art by Dale Edaakie

This belt buckle was created with multi-stone inlay over silver by Dale Edaakie of Zuni Pueblo. The featured image is that of the iconic American Bison, more commonly called a buffalo. The artist textured the bison to represent the hair of a live animal. The bison is inset into the silver backing deep enough to make a smooth finish. The result is an excellent example of wearable art. The back of the buckle is stamped with the artist's name and pueblo.

Like his parents, Dennis and Nancy Edaakie, Dale Edaakie is a master of the art of inlay. However, he has distinguished himself by focusing on representations of animals as opposed to the birds for which his parents have become famous. His work is characterized by a high degree of naturalistic detail, achieved by etching of the shell or stone inlay. Dale was the recipient of the prestigious Southwest Association for Indian Art fellowship in 2002, which is awarded annually to young Native American artists in recognition of their achievement and promise.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Silver Belt Buckle with an American Bison Insert is from the collection of a client from California

Reference: American Indian Jewelry II: A - L, 1,800 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo, Dennis and Nancy Edaakie, Dale Edaakie