Bernard Dawahoya Hopi Master Silversmith Early Large Bear Cuff Bracelet 6.5x2.5

  
In Great Vintage Condition With Warm Patina. 2.5" tall, 6.5" around, plus a 1 1/2"- 1 1/4" opening.

Sterlingsilver overlay with three bears and sun ray boarders symbolizing Bernard's Hopi name Masaqueva. Marked with clear stamped snow cloud hallmark. In 1998 he was designated an Arizona Living Treasure.

Master silversmith Bernard Dawahoya was born in 1935 in the Second Mesa village of Shungopavi. A member of the Snow Clan, his Hopi name is Masaqueva, which means "Wings of the Sun" or "Little Sun". Bernard Dawahoya, was a master of many traditional Hopi arts, but focused on silversmithing since his teens and making jewelry since the 1950's.

He learned from his uncles, Washington Talayumptewa and Sidney Sekakuku, and also took classes at the Hopi Silver Craft Cooperative Guild. His masterful works are known for their precise matting (texturing) in negative spaces, heavyweight silver, crisp designs, and bold traditional symbols, such as Mudheads, Hopi Snake Dancer, Crow Mother, eagles, roadrunners and more; all reflect Hopi history, culture, and beliefs. Beyond his skills with silver overlay, jewelry boxes and bowls, he created textiles, paintings, Katsina dolls, and leatherwork. He also recorded traditional Hopi dance songs in 2004, and was known as a prolific storyteller, regaling admirers with the stories behind his designs.