Lawrence Saufkie
Hopi Overlay Silver Jewelry

Griselda and Lawrence Saufkie

To understand the beauty of Hopi overlay, one must look at the details.

The designs are cut by hand (usually with one continuous cut) and
soldered to the silver sheet below... which is incised with beautiful
patterns of its own.  Lawrence Saufkie jewelry is infinitely
more then the sum of its parts.

Physical aliments severely limit Lawrence's production.

Overlay jewelry is made by applying silver layers, one over
another, to create detailed scenes, masks, or patterns. Hopi overlay
 takes the process further by delicately incising the lower layer
of metal to enhance the design.

Prior to the overlay technique (1940's), Hopi jewelry was very
 much like the jewelry of other Southwestern Indian people
of that time.

Paul Saufkie was recently recognized by the American Museum of
Natural History in NYC for his contribution to this art form.
From the very start, Lawrence Saufkie worked closely with
his father, Paul Saufkie.

Very early Hopi Overlay by Paul Saufkie

Although Lawrence Saufkie did not create the Hopi Overlay style,
 it was Lawrence who helped move it forward to the prominent 
position it occupies today.

Lawrence has exhibited in the united States and around the world,
particularly Japan and Switzerland. You'll find his work noted
in most Native American Jewelry books.

Lawrence Saufkie Silver Walking Bear Bracelet

Quite rare in that the bears are each individual positive overlay and the
lower layer is entirely incised

1 1/4" wide

for a 6 1/2" wrist It can be adjusted slightly

$750

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Lawrence Saufkie Silver Turquoise Walking Bear Bracelet
1" wide

for a 6" to a 6 1/4" wrist
 It can be adjusted slightly

$750

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Lawrence Saufkie Bear Belt Buckle

Walking Bear in Clouds

3" x 1 7/8"

$575

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Lawrence Saufkie Bear Belt Buckle

Walking Bear in a Bear Paw with Prayer Feather

3" x 1 7/8"

$675

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Lawrence Saufkie Bear Belt Buckle

Walking Bear Pair with Continuous Life Symbols

3" x 1 7/8"

$575

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