Roy Talahaftewa Hopi Overlay Turkey Corn Dancer Belt Buckle

People from around the world who are fascinated by Native American culture are drawn to the Hopi mesas of Northern Arizona, home to one of the oldest living cultures in North America. The Hopi people have occupied these mesas for centuries, with Oraibi widely regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States, dating back to approximately 1100 CE. Among the most meaningful cultural experiences for visitors fortunate enough to witness them are the ceremonial Kachina dances, which remain central to Hopi spiritual life and tradition.

Award-winning Hopi artist Roy Talahaftewa created this remarkable belt buckle in 2011, capturing the spirit and movement of a Turkey Corn Dancer performing outside the pueblo homes. The imagery reflects the ceremonial traditions that have long inspired Hopi overlay jewelry, blending cultural storytelling with masterful silversmithing.

The buckle is executed in the classic Hopi overlay technique, where layered sheets of sterling silver are individually hand-cut, oxidized, and polished to create sharp contrast and dimensional imagery. Talahaftewa’s detailed composition brings the dancer and surrounding pueblo scene to life through clean line work, textured silver surfaces, and balanced negative space.

Framing the central design are two exceptional pieces of Morenci turquoise, one of Arizona’s most celebrated and collectible turquoise mines. Known for its vivid blue color and distinctive pyrite matrix, Morenci turquoise adds rich color and Southwestern character to the buckle while complementing the strong graphic quality of the overlay work.

This piece is an outstanding example of contemporary Hopi jewelry that honors traditional ceremonial imagery while showcasing Roy Talahaftewa’s distinctive artistic voice.

Size – 3 5/8″ x 2 5/8″
Belt Size – 1 1/2″
Weight – 3.3 ozt