My late grandfather’s belt buckle, which be may have been purchased in Arizona or New Mexico in the early 1970’s. It is stamped with a character I cannot make out and “Gay” (short for Begay?). I recognize the Thunderbird on the left and the butte on the right, but any information about the symbol/design in the middle would be great!
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The art-amerindien site shows that is a stamp of a bee to the left of GAY indicating “Begay” but has a question mark. A similar buckle I found indicates nickel or German silver.
Thanks! Yes I found that on the site afterwards as well.
It is unidentified but listed under the Indian Native American Jewelry & Southwest hallmarks, letter: G section; does this mean it is native made and not fake?
The symbol in the middle is a teepee. The bird on the left is not a thunderbird, it is a peyote bird, symbols used with the Native American church.
I also have a cuff with the peyote bird and the teepee. You may know, but this is called chip inlay, and was popularized by the deceased Navajo artist Tommy Singer.
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German silver was also used by NA craftsman.
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Indeed! Because it is chip inlay, is it likely Navajo? (if the hallmark belongs to a native artist, currently unidentified)
I don’t know for sure, but I would guess that it is. Especially if he bought it in the '70s, and if the last name is Begay that is a common Navajo name.
I couldn’t find any sterling stamp, so it very well may be a copper and nickel alloy
Here is a link with a bit of info on the peyote bird. Native American Symbol – Peyote (Water) Bird Colors | Native American Jewelry Tips
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BTW, welcome to the site!
Thank you! Glad there is a community for native turquoise art!
I actually just linked this, Talking about chip inlay: If you’re thinking of buying a piece to another thread, but thought you might find it interesting.
Oh I read that article the other day, extremely informative!
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Is it possible that the hallmark is a bee with the letters GAY, so together read “Begay”?
It’s Navajo peyote religion bird imagery, I believe. The bluff at right surely is one of the famous Mittens in Monument Valley.
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