This lovely little buckle is handcrafted Zuni work by artist Homer Vacit. Outstanding hand tooled silver work with precisely set turquoise stones. Handcrafted repousse graces the outer edge of the buckle. Homers cluster work is not often seen, as he did these pieces a little later in life and he and his wife's inlay work was in high demand. Hallmarked HV.
The buckle measures 2 1/2" long by 1 3/4" wide and will fit a 1 1/4" belt.
The Zuni are known for their fine silversmithing, which began in the 1870's after learning fundamental techniques from the Navajo. Lanyade was the first Zuni silversmith, who learned the art from Atsidi Chon, a Navajo smith. By 1880, Zuni jewelers already set turquoise in silver. Today jewelry making thrives as an art form in at the Zuni Pueblo. Many Zuni have become master silversmiths and have perfected the skill of stone inlay, channel inlay, needlepoint and petit point. They found that by using small pieces of stone they were able to create intricate designs and unique patterns. Their style of work is very tedious and time consuming.
