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Vintage - Hopi Sun Face & Turtle Overlay Ring by Charleston Lewis - Size 11.75 - Estate

Vintage - Hopi Sun Face & Turtle Overlay Ring by Charleston Lewis - Size 11.75 - Estate

Regular price $ 180.00
Sale price $ 180.00 Regular price
Note: All vintage/estate jewelry sales are final. No returns or exchanges will be accepted.

A masterful example of traditional Hopi overlay silversmithing, this wide band ring by Charleston Lewis wraps the finger in a continuous narrative of Hopi iconography — executed with the precision and cultural depth that defines the finest work from Hopi Pueblo. The ring is worked entirely in sterling silver using the classic two-layer overlay technique: a top layer of silver is cut with the design motifs and soldered onto a darkened base layer, creating bold, high-contrast imagery that reads with graphic clarity.

The face of the ring is dominated by a large Tawa (Sun Face) — the Hopi sun deity — with radiating triangular rays and deeply oxidized recesses that make the raised silver elements glow. Flanking the sun face on either side are turtles, their forms rendered with characteristic Hopi precision — domed shells, outstretched legs, and a quiet, grounded presence that flows naturally around the wide band. The turtle is a revered symbol in Hopi tradition, associated with water, longevity, and the earth.

Charleston Lewis is a Hopi silversmith whose overlay work reflects the deep tradition of Hopi silver art — a tradition formalized in the mid-20th century and recognized worldwide for its distinctive two-layer technique, cultural symbolism, and exceptional craftsmanship. The Tawa sun face is one of the most sacred and recognizable motifs in Hopi art, representing the life-giving power of the sun.

Specifications:

Artist: Charleston Lewis (Hopi)
Ring Size: 11.75
Weight: 11.25 grams
Band Width: ½"
Shank Width: ¼"
Hallmark: Hopi figure pictograph (stamped interior)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with rich oxidized patina

About the Artist:

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Silver ring with intricate design on a stone surface

Vintage - Hopi Sun Face & Turtle Overlay Ring by Charleston Lewis - Size 11.75 - Estate

$ 180.00

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Native American Made

At Black Arrow Native American Jewelry & Art, we are proud to certify that all pieces labeled as Native American made are handcrafted by enrolled members of federally recognized tribes or certified Native artisans. We strictly adhere to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (IACA), a federal law that prohibits the misrepresentation of products as Native American made unless they truly are.

By working directly with Native artists and reputable trading partners, we ensure every piece we represent is a genuine expression of Native American culture and artistry.

When you purchase from Black Arrow, you are investing in authentic craftsmanship and helping to sustain Indigenous traditions.

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We take great pride in the turquoise featured in our jewelry. Every stone is hand-selected for its authenticity, visual quality, and origin.

Our turquoise is:

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  • Often sourced from renowned mines such as Kingman, Golden Hill, Sleeping Beauty, Dry Creek, Sonoran Gold, and more.

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