Hopi Silver Views
Hopi overlay is a two-layer silver technique in which two pieces of silver are formed into flat pieces of the same shape. A design is cut into the top piece with a jewelry saw; the bottom piece is textured and oxidized, turning the sheet black. Then the two pieces are soldered together with the cut-out design as the top. The silversmith sometimes buffs and polishes the top surface until it gleams, but more often the silversmith will create a matte or satin finish by polishing the piece with fine steel wool. In the most refined Hopi overlay the seams are flawlessly invisible. Hopi overlay is primarily an art of silver, or sometimes gold. In 1957 overlay became the tribe's offical style of jewelry making. It cetainly is the most widely recognized style of Hopi Indian jewelry.
Silversmithing is an integral part of the modern Hsoacute;pitu way of life. Roughly translated, peaceful dwellers, the Hopi people have often turned to art as a mechanism of expressing their culture as well as producing tradable products. Combining art, culture and ceremony, and finally silver has resulted in a significant stream of communication from the Hooacute;pitu to the world. Many of the veteran silversmiths rightfully hold places among the world's master artisans.
The sterling silver overlay technique produces a shadow effect and deeper relief than flat jewelry could ever hope to achieve, and which contributes significantly to its amazing expression. Hopi sterling silver overlay native jewelry is simply southwestern jewelry at its best! Truly this is jewelry from the heart to help you express yours.
Silver overlay jewelry is created starting with a simple band or blank of silver. The artisan designs a matching piece of silver with intricate negative images - the cut out areas form the images. When the design satisfies the artisan, the two pieces are fused together creating two dimensional relief. The exposed area of the bottom sheet is matted using small chisels. This creates additional texture and may be darkened for deeper contrast. Polishing to a high gloss or buffing to a satin finish completes the artisan's vision. The silver overlay technique is unique to the Hopi but many Navajo artists have been known to duplicate it with some success.
Hopi Silver Images
