Ring depicting Mudhead Dancer by Watson Honanie (1953-2023), Hopi

Ring depicting Mudhead Dancer by Watson Honanie (1953-2023), Hopi Pueblosterling silver in the overlay techniqueSize 12, 3” long x 1 1/5” wide Hopi jeweler Watson Honanie was born into the Bear Clan in 1953. Watson was known for creating jewelry of gold and silver overlay portraying Hopi culture and ceremonial life.  At an early age, Watson was encouraged to create jewelry by two uncles, Porter Timeche and Fred Kabotie, who were associated with the Hopi Silvercraft Guild. "They gave me scraps of silver so I could make small pieces, mostly earrings," Honanie said. He learned the overlay technique from his brother Phillip, and worked at the Silvercraft Guild for about two years before venturing out on his own. "In 1979, when the cost of silver got so high - $48 to $50 an ounce, I went back to using scraps, but not for making jewelry. I made small Kachinas, about four inches tall, using the lost wax process and the melted silver scraps. I made these miniature Kachinas for about a year, th