Hand-made Vintage sterling overlay buckle by Mitchell Sockyma, Hopi silversmith

Description

This beautifully and symmetrically designed vintage (but unworn) sterling silver buckle was made and signed by Mitchell Sockyma (b1942), in traditional Hopi overlay style. The workmanship on the buckle is meticulous and incorporates a row of three turtles with rows of waver/water symbols above and below. The buckle is approximately 2 7/8" x 2" and will fit up to a 1 1/2" belt. It is a substantial 58.5 grams.
We purchased this buckle new in 1995 for our gallery and it has been unworn, in our inventory and vault since then.
Mitchell Sockyma is full Hopi of the Sun and Corn Clan. His art incorporates traditional Hopi symbols such as turtles, water/waves, corn and corn stalks, bear paws/claws and Kokopelli. He is the recipient of many awards and honors and is recognized as one of the foremost Native American silversmiths of our time. He maintains a lifestyle in which art and beauty are intertwined with his Hopi culture and values.
Turtles are important symbols in Native American cultures as they represent Mother Earth. They are  symbolic of healing, wisdom, spirituality, safety, longevity, protection and fertility. The water symbol is very important in Native American culture and is representative of the birth, fertility -- the circle of life and continual renewal.
Please examine closely and contact us with any questions before purchasing. Please visit for our store and more exciting contemporary and traditional Native American pieces from a variety of artists and tribal affiliations (Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Santo Domingo and more). American West Boutique was founded in 1992 and is an online seller of Native American Jewelry and Art, cowboy/girl boots, leather and suede and apparel. Shipped to continental US by UPS to street addresses only. No PO boxes, please. Payment must be made in 5 days or item may be relisted. Thank you for viewing!      HA001