Featured Looking for ID Help on Hopi Overlay Cuff

Hi All,
I have what I believe to be a Hopi overlay cuff. It tests as sterling and is heavy at 98 grams (somewhat wide, but flattish-oval size).

I think it may date to 1940's but not much later based on the lack of "textured" or tooled marks in the black background areas.

Can anyone help ID the bird head motif? Also, any idea on where to get a value? No marks whatsoever so I don't expect any clues as to person who made it could be gleaned.

Thanks in advance!
T

 

Since it isn't marked it would be called Southwest and not Hopi.Looks like someone painted the dark areas,not something a NA would have done.It could have been made by a student/hobbyist,etc. even I could have made it.

 

But aren't thousands of unsigned pieces of sterling Southwest style jewelry pieces attributed to certain tribes every day? Are you saying all Hopi pieces would be signed? I know that is not true.

 

If the piece isn't marked and the mark recognized,it can only be called SW.Then I guess you didn't know that Navajo,Hopi and Zuni have all used the same techniques and styles.
You might want to read the law.......... https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act

 

Thank you for the link. BTW, the cuff is not painted.

 

the black in the cuff.....is Oxidized .
& ...ummm...I don't see a SW native motif ...... to my eye !

 

There is something odd about the bracelet.Need good photos of inside and the edge of the piece.

 

It is a beauty, Tracy.

Yes, it is.
I don't see the usual texture of the lower layer, but that could be the photo.

I would look at Sikyatki pottery, both the pre-Columbian pieces and the later revival of the style. They have that wonderful stylization.
A much featured bird is called the rainbird.

Looking forward to more photos. And tagging @reader , what do you think?

 

My knee jerk was Maori (?) ,New Zealand or the like ?

 

Probably because of the scroll design.
Maori scrollwork doesn't have those pointed details though. I think Tracy is correct in thinking those are stylized bird heads, whereas Maori scrolls symbolize life(-energy) and interconnectedness.

 

I hope your knee id feeling better !!

 

New thread on this bracelet:

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/t...-chased-or-overlay-design.48010/#post-1781177