Hopi Pueblo Sterling Silver Belt Buckle Overlay By Victor Coochwytewa

ca. 1970

.75″ H x 3.25″ L x 2.125″ W

Hand Crafted from Sterling Silver of a Mudhead Kachina Dancing with Rattles in CornBar Fits up to a 1.25″ Leather

Excellent Condition Wonderful Detail Shows Light Wear

Victor Coochwytewa (1922 – 2011) was one of three Native American elders chosen as Arizona Indian Living Treasures at the seventh annual AILTA award ceremony held in Phoenix in September 1994. This recognition is but one of the many accolades bestowed upon the Master Hopi Jeweler in a career spanning more than half a century.

Born on June 7, 1922 at Shungopavi on Second Mesa in Northern Arizona, Victor is a member of the Waterhouse Clan. His earliest ventures in Hopi overlay jewelry began in 1940 under the tutelage of Paul Saufkie. After joining the Army during World War II, Victor found himself in the South Pacific. From the 167th Combat Military Police he transferred to the 5309th Infantry Division under General Merles Marauders and saw heavy combat action in the Burma area. Victor earned the Purple Heart, Good Conduct and Asiatic Ribbons.

Victor Coochwytewa Discharged in 1946, he returned to the Hopi Mesas to become one of Paul Saufkies and Fred Kaboties first students in their jewelry-making classes that were just forming under the auspices of the G.I. Bill. What became known as the The Veterans Classes, provided opportunity for new beginnings.

Victor brought to the table a unique dimension to the Hopi overlay jewelry technique that was being developed in those early days. Adapting a leather work method that he had learned, Victor began to texturize the background of his designs adding a subtle enhancement to the finished piece. This fine matting procedure remains signature to Hopi jewelry. Victor retired from silversmithing in 2006.