Buckle - Horse with Malachite by Mitchell Zephier (Lakota)

Mitchell Zephier, Sr. began making jewelry in the 1970's where he learned metalsmithing techniques from Frank Standing High, a high school art teacher and master traditional craftsman, and inlay techniques from a Zuni jeweler.Today, Mitchell works with his brother, Roger Herron, who does the fine cutting and stamping, and Belle Star Boy (Rosebud Sioux), who does the engraving and inlay work. Together they create unique jewelry in sterling silver and brass that incorporates traditional Northern Plains designs.  Their jewelry is often inlaid with crushed materials such as pipestone, alabaster, lapis or malachite mixed with epoxy as a holding agent.  They recycle and use the material remnants of their friends who are sculptors or pipemakers.  Earth colors similar to the minieral paints used in hide paintings are used in their jewelry.

Width 3 1/4", height 2", for belt 1 1/4" wide