A vintage Native American handmade sterling silver Kokopelli flute player ring by Hopi artist Lawrence Saufkie (1935-2011) in a US size 6.5. This highly collectable ring came from the estate collection of a long time Arizona resident and dates from the 1980s-1990s. Using the overlay technique pioneered by his father Paul Saufkie, this Lawrence Saufkie ring features a long elliptical panel with the flute player design cut out of the overlay surface with a finely hatched and oxidized background. The ring band is made of 2 mm half round wire. Hallmarked with Lawrence Saufkie’s figural “bear” artist stamp and “Saufkie". Tested as sterling silver for silver metal fineness. Please see extensive photos.
Item: Ring
Size: US 6.5
Artist: Lawrence Saufkie (1934-2011)
Signed: Yes - "Saufkie" and "bear" figural stamp (see Hougart, Bille, “Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th Edition”, BilleHougartBooks, Washington DC, 2022, p.277.)
Tribal Affiliation: Hopi
Materials: Sterling Silver – tested
Measurements: Please check all measurements to ensure proper fit and ask all questions prior to purchase as this item is not returnable. We are happy to answer your questions!
· Length (North – South orientation): 1.75 inches
· Width at widest point (East – West orientation): 5/8 inch
· Ring Band with: 2 mm
Weight: 9.8 grams
Condition: Excellent vintage estate condition with age-appropriate patina. Minimal wear to the sterling silver surface. Design oxidation of Kokopelli flute player figure in excellent dark black finish. Band in excellent original round shape. Please review the entire listing for details on item identification and hallmarks, features, materials, measurements, and condition prior to purchase. Photos are part of the condition description. Please ask all questions prior to purchase as this item is not returnable. We are happy to answer your questions!
More about the artist: (from the Colorado Spring Fine Arts Center at Colorado College bio) “Lawrence Saufkie (1935-2011), Hopi Pueblo, Bear Clan, was the son of Paul Saufkie Sr. and Ruby Saufkie and brother of Andrew Saufkie, Paul Saufkie, Jr., Vaughn Saufkie; husband of Griselda Saufkie; father of Wilmer Saufkie Lomayaoma; uncle of Bob Sekakuku. Lawrence learned silver work, particularly overlay, from his father Paul Saufkie Sr. His father and Fred Kaboutie began perfecting this style in the 1930s and when Hopi soldiers returned from World War II, they began teaching them the method. His hallmark is a bear and SAUFKIE.
Saufkie was a Hopi silversmith for more than 60 years. In 1998, he was recognized by the American Museum of Natural History for his contributions to this art form and was the recipient of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lawrence Saufkie was designated an Arizona Living Treasure in 2002. He has been featured in numerous magazines and books and his work has been collected by museums such as the Heard Museum, the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Peabody Museum, and Harvard University.”
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Please ask all questions prior to purchase as this item is not returnable. We are happy to answer your questions!
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