Hopi artisans that garner the Hopi Guild stamp on their work have shown continued dedication to quality, inclusion of traditional symbolism, an outstanding design sense and an overall respect for the art form as a representation of the Hopi tribe. As an artisan, you are awarded the Guild stamp by a jury of tribal elders that recognize you as someone they would be proud to have represent the tribe. The stamp is not easy to acquire and often takes years or decades to obtain. I’ve seen several Native American tadpole hallmarks and have seen this one before. It’s shape doesn’t match any recorded tadpole, and the artisan is unknown. The bird representation on this ring is outstanding—clean, crisp overlay cut-outs, the even texturing in the recesses and the quality construction of the ring, all add up to a very fine creation by a talented Hopi artisan—no wonder he/she has been entrusted with the Guild stamp. The ring is a size 5.75, the face measures 1 3/8” by .5” (domed) and the ring weighs 7 grams. It has a single split shank which is soldered to the ring very cleanly. Excellent condition and highly collectable.
