The overlay design on this buckle is unique in that it represents water spirits as well as the four seasons—incorporating these two important aspects of Hopi culture took considerable forethought rendering an unusual and bold design. The execution is superb, with all cut out lines being crisp and clean and the hand stamping is just far enough out of alignment to give the buckle some real character. One of the great things about Hopi overlay pieces is that when the recesses are textured, they are done with one chisel strike at a time, rendering a single dot with each strike. The labor intensity of this technique is considerable and this buckle is a wonderful example. You can see where the artisan would chose an area in the recesses and concentrate on it during the texturing process, thus rendering sections that look rectangular in some areas. The only “T” hallmark I could find is mislabeled as being Tommy Singer; a Navajo that has done overlay work, but signs his pieces with his full name. The buckle measures 3” by 2” and weighs 49 grams. Made for a 1.5” belt. This buckle is in pristine condition with even age patina. Due to the quality of the craftsmanship and the culturally relevant design this buckle is very collectable.
