This beautiful belt buckle is handcrafted work by Zuni artist Lolita Milani. Outstanding inlay of mother of pearl and jet with a silver rain drop design framing the outer edge. Nice heavy weight. Hallmarked LM, sterling.
The buckle measures 3 1/8" long by 2 5/8" tall and will fit a 1 3/4" belt. The bar has a silver tit that will hold a smaller belt in place.
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.