Vintage Native American Hopi Silversmith Tony Kyasyousie Kokopelli Sterling Silver Ring

Tony Kyasyousie, active from 1969 to 1993, learned and perfected his craft at the historic Hopi Crafts guild workshop. Mr. Kyasyousie's authentic pieces, such as this gorgeous piece of wearable art, are highly collectible and bear his signature "TK" initials alongside the "rabbit stick" guild mark stamped on the interior band. This vintage ring showcases a stylized walking or dancing figure holding a staff or cane. In Hopi culture, these figures often represent a Kokopelli, this one without his flute. A Kokopelli is a traveler, or a ceremonial figure/Kachina (a deified ancestral spirit of a natural element, animal, or ancestor,) which carries profound spiritual meaning related to fertility, storytelling or the need for guidance. One of the more interesting facts about this ring is the process used to create the overlay. The artistic technique used in this ring utilizes the traditional Hopi Silver Overlay technique which involves sweating two distinct layers of sterling silver together. The figural pattern is meticulously hand-cut into the top layer. The recessed background is then oxidized and finely chiseled or textured to create a sharp and dramatic contrast that makes the design standout. It's a beautiful ring. Hallmarked and signed by the master himself. Excellent condition with no deep scratches or dings in the silver. Size 7