Silver Overlay Earrings by Lawrence Saufkie

Lawrence Saufkie's matching feather earrings are a stunning example of traditional Hopi artistry fused with contemporary design. Crafted meticulously from sterling silver, these earrings feature intricate motifs showcasing Saufkie's exceptional skill and attention to detail.

The earrings are lightweight and elegant, making them perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. Their matching design ensures a harmonious and balanced look, emphasizing symmetry and style. These earrings not only reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Hopi people but also serve as a timeless piece of wearable art, embodying both beauty and meaning.

"Lawrence Saufkie (1935-2011), Hopi Pueblo, Bear Clan, active around 1974-2011 was born at the Grand Canyon while his father, Paul Saufkie, worked there for the Fred Harvey Company. By the time Lawrence was thirteen, his father started teaching him the basics of silversmithing. Stamped copper buttons were some of his first products. Within the next year or two, Saufkie was selling jewelry of his own creation at Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and, by age twenty, he would have his own booth. Once married in 1953, Saufkie turned to silverwork as a full-time occupation. He then joined the Hopi Silvercraft Cooperative Guild and started using his trademark of a bear shortly thereafter. He left the guild a few years later, stating, in 1975, that he preferred to work for himself with the ability to sell his jewelry where he chose.

Saufkie started winning awards as early as 1958. He exhibited at his first Indian Market in 1962, and his reputation grew as he began winning top honors at southwest shows in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By 1975 he was having difficulty keeping up with the demand for his work." [Messier, 2014:126]

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Silver Overlay Earrings by Lawrence Saufkie is from a client of Adobe Gallery

References: 

- Messier, Pat & Kim Messier, Reassessing Hallmarks of Native Southwest Jewelry, 2014

- Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry I, 1,200 Artist Biographies. 2003 

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Ruby Saufkie, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Lawrence Saufkie