Unworn Vintage Overlay Sterling/Turquoise Bear Bracelet; Bruce Hodgins, Navajo

Description

Striking sterling silver Hopi style overlay bracelet by renowned Navajo artist, Bruce Hodgins. The bracelet depicts a row of 8 bears on a contrasting antiqued background with arrows above and below. In the center is a beautiful rectangular turquoise stone, approximately 1/2" x 3/8". The inside measurement is approximately 6 1/2" with a 1" opening. It is approximately 5/8" wide and is a heavy gauge, weighing 32.5 grams.   The bear is an important symbol in Native American culture and represents strength, healing and courage. The bear is believed to be a healer and  protector. We purchased this striking bracelet new for our gallery in 1996 from the artist and it has been in our inventory / vault and unworn since that time.  Bruce Hodgins was a Navajo artist who grew up on the Hopi reservation and learned the art of silversmithing and Hopi overlay from renowned Hopi artist, Sidney Secakuku Jr.  His work most often integrates Hopi overlay techniques with Navajo symbolism. Bruce's art achieves harmony, balance, color, texture, contrasts, repetition, shape, form and innovation and is both traditional and contemporary. His work is hallmarked by high quality and heavy gauge materials, symbolism and clean lines. His work has been celebrated through awards and recognized widely. Sadly, Bruce passed away in 2018 at the young age of 59. He was not only known throughout the Native American artists' community but was also known for his friendly personality, smile and love of nature and the outdoors.  We have priced this bracelet below market for immediate sale. Please visit for our store for more exciting contemporary and traditional Native American pieces from a variety of artists and tribal affiliations (Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Santo Domingo and more). American West Boutique was founded in 1992 and is an online seller of Native American Jewelry and Art , cowboy/girl boots, leather and suede and apparel. Shipped to Continental US only by UPS to street addresses only. No PO boxes, please. Payment must be received within 5 days of sale or item may be relisted.