I was at a sale the other day and saw an interesting piece. It looked to me like an older 1900-1950 Native American piece of silver with probably a newer safety pin/clasp on it. I wanted to buy it but the seller thought it was much older than I did and wanted $175 for it. He had inherited a relatives collection and jewelry store stock. The relative owned a jewelry store in Manhattan from the 40’s to I’m guessing the 90’s or so. The seller was knowledgeable on some things but thought many items were older and/or more valuable than they probably really were. Anyways I was interested in this piece and wish I had taken a photo. It could have been South American or something else but my initial impulse was Native American. I’m a HORRIBLE artist but here’s a drawing of the overall form of what I saw to the best of my memory. I don’t recall the facial features, it likely wasn’t smiling . The front was highly textured and the cross was cut out of the center of the form. The bottom may or may not have had legs like that. I mostly remember the general shape and the cut out cross. Does anyone know what I saw based on my silly drawing? It wasn’t marked in any way.
I got such a giggle out of your sketch and then more giggles when I was looking at some of the actual silver pieces that are available. Any chance any of these are close? https://www.ebay.com/itm/2567081690...-b5ff-8abef466843f|iid:1|vlpname:vlp_homepage This is a bit naughty https://www.ebay.com/itm/116070793823
I am realtively familiar with Yei figures. It didn’t resemble any that I’ve ever seen. The form of the figure was more simple and rounded.
I forgot to include the cigarette he was passing to her after taking the first long slow drag for himself.
I just looked at a ton of figural Hopi pins. I think you’re probably correct. Likely a somewhat simple or simplified kachina form.
No ears or hair to best of my recollection. Otherwise yeh basically with a good size cross cutout in the center.
