LEROY KEWANYAMA HOPI TURQ CORAL SILVER MUDHEAD KATSINA PIN 1950’S TUCSON ESTATE

Description: (NOTE: I just noticed a strand of fur from my faithful cat Bob showing in the first photo - where I am he is. That said, you should get the idea) From a Catalina Foothills estate in Tucson is this I believe 1950?s or perhaps early 1960?s Hopi silver brooch pin depiction of a Mudhead Koyemsi Katsina / Kachina. The mid century masterwork is not signed, though is instantly attributable to Leroy Kewanyama - an important carver of cottonwood Katsina figures and Pueblo painter, and also a highly respected silver artisan of that time. This distinctive Koyemsi portrayal is perhaps Kewanyama's most well known early career jewelry "invention", and the no shortcuts constructive detail seen here is also all his. Leroy Kewanyama (1922-1997) was born at Shungopavi Vilage on Second Mesa and served in the U.S. Navy during WW2. He worked within the Hopi Silvercraft Guild, and surviving samples of his bench work serve as telling demonstrations of the skill level employed. In fact, examples of Kowanyama's efforts in all three mediums are included within the collections of the Museum of the American Indian Heye Foundation in New York City, the Museum of Northern Arizona at Flagstaff, the Museum of New Mexico at Santa Fe, the Peabody Museum at Harvard University, and there is an accessioned grouping of his silver pins at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. In regards the Mudhead image, sought after versions were crafted as pins, bolos, and pendants - the offered one being greatly elevated by attractive local lapidary turquoise and coral inlays at the eyes and nose. Don't just take my word, you can Google "Kowanyama Hopi silver Mudhead" for a few other corroborating examples. Weight is very good for the form at about 15.5 grams on my portable digital scale. Condition is quite fine with just the right aura of time to the silver surfaces. Be aware I have avoided every urge to refresh away or "improve" upon any natural toning - you want that done you do it. The original pin and locking clasp (an older ball type as seen on some WW2 AAF wings) work exactly as they should. A look at these pics should give a good idea of appearance and condition. Size is about 3 in. vertical and 1 3/8 in. horizontal - so yes, it will definitely be noticed when worn about. If you prefer historic Southwestern adornment for benefit of 'the look", or simply wish a single immediate improvement to the ambiance of each day, this will have great meaning for you.inkfrog terapeak

Price: 299.99 USD

Location: Tucson, Arizona

End Time: 2025-02-05T02:34:03.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.95 USD