VINTAGE ZUNI PUEBLO INDIAN SANDCAST SILVER BELT BUCKLE TURQUOISE - JUAN CALAVAZA

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VINTAGE ZUNI PUEBLO INDIAN SANDCAST SILVER BELT BUCKLE TURQUOISE - JUAN CALAVAZA:
$425.00

Item Description:

This vintage sandcast sterling silver belt buckle was made by master Zuni silversmith Juan Calavaza. Juan was born in 1910 and began creating jewelry in 1930. He worked as a silversmith until 1970 when he passed on. Juan specialized in sandcast pieces which was unusual for a Zuni silversmith. This beautifully cast silver belt buckle has 13 turquoise stones set into scalloped silver bezel. The edges of the buckle have been expertly chiselled and seem to flow with the silver applique leaf that\'s at the center of the buckle. The buckle measures 2 3/4\" across and 1 3/4\" high. The loop at the back will fit a belt up to 1 1/4\" wide. The buckle weighs 2.6 ounces or 74 grams. There is a hairline crack in two of the stones, but they are very secure in their settings. Overall, this wonderful sandcast Zuni belt buckle is in great vintage condition. Juan\'s wife was Effie Calavaza who went on after his death to become a very well known silversmith for her sandcast jewelry. Juan\'s nephew was the famous Zuni silversmith Dan Simplicio.