Vintage Hopi Guild Silver Overlay Polik Mana Pendant By Alde Qumyintewa

The design on this vintage Hopi Polik Mana or butterfly maiden pendant is exceptional. It was handmade of sterling silver overlay by Alde Qumyintewa, a member of the acclaimed Hopi Silvercraft Guild.

Many of the old Hopi Guild pendants were round or oval with a design in the middle. Notice how this pendant is created in a shape that actually accentuates the center polik mana katsina - the silver frame is gently curved to highlight the curves of the katsina figure and pointed where the katsina's shoulders come to a point. Fabulous!

In lovely detail, the pendant's maker, Alde Qumyintewa, has represented the real butterfly maiden's tablita, or headdress. You can see the corn, the corn plant, and the clouds that Polik Mana is associated with when she does her spring dance to pollinate the crops and bring rain. 

This reminds us that Hopi jewelry is more than beautiful adornments. It symbolizes significant Hopi beliefs and ceremonies.

It's interesting because at the Hopi dances, Polik Mana is represented by a female dancer. Somehow, Alde Qumyintewa has managed to give this female katsina a more feminine look. If you Google other Hopi overlay jewelry, you'll quickly realize how feminine this pendant appears in contrast. 

Notice also the depth of the overlay polik mana figure with the center head ornament rising up above the rest of the design. It's so good! A little painting in silver.

You can wear this beauty on a silver chain, but the bale is large enough (3/8" across) that you can wear it with small beads. It's pictured on a lovely strand of of beads that have already sold by renowned bead makers Joe and Terry Reano. I may, in fact, have other little beads by Joe and Terry to add to this necklace in a beautiful cross pollination of jewelry by different Indigenous cultures. Just inquire if you'd like some to wear with this pendant.

Pendant measures 2 3/8" x 2" and is signed on the reverse with Alde Qumyintewa's hallmark and the Hopi Guild Mark.

• Vintage Hopi Silver Overlay Pendant
• By Alde Qumyintewa
• Hopi Silvercraft Guild Piece
• Represents a Feminine Polik Mana or Butterfly Maiden
• Measures 2 3/8" x 2"
• Bale is 3/8" 
• Signed with Qumyintewa's Hallmark and Hopi Guild Mark