Manuel Hoyungowa is a highly esteemed member of the Hopi Nation. He learned sterling overlay techniques from his grandfather, Preston Monongye and through his studies at the Institute of American Indian Arts, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His position within the Hopi Nation is unparalleled. He is the author of the “Cry of the Earth Statement,” a Hopi prophecy message Hoyungowa delivered to the United Nations General Assembly in 1962. Manuel Hoyungowa is an important messenger for the Sovereign Hopi Nation, a prophet, religious leader and dedicated artisan. Due to his standing in the Hopi community his artfully handcrafted works are highly collectable.
This outstanding buckle of sterling overlay, featuring a ceremonial Hopi figure, is indicative of Hoyungowa’s earlier work–his designs have become more contemporary. The lines are clean and exacting, the texturing in the recesses is evenly spaced and the dot pattern on the buckle, which is a Hoyungowa design signature, is beautifully executed. The buckle measures 3” by 2.5”, is slightly domed, weighs 60 grams and is made for a 1.5” wide belt. The buckle is in excellent condition and features Hoyungowa’s distinctive “Hogans on a Plateau” hallmark.
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