Description
sz8.75 Chief Wolf Robe Hunt (1905-1977) Acoma silver and natural opal ring 18.5 grams. One opal with natural host rock going through center, the other two secure in bezels with fractures. 18.5 grams.
Wayne Wolf Robe Hunt, a full-blood Acoma Indian (1905-1977). Born on the Acoma Reservation, Wolf Robe was the son of Chief Day Break (Edward Proctor Hunt), Chief of the Delight Makers -- a man instrumental in the improvement of relations between the Acomas and whites. His mother, Morning Star, whose own father was Governor of Acoma seven times, was a potter and weaver. Wolf Robe learned silver-smithing from his older brother on the reservation. Wolf Robe achieved recovnition and fame for his jewelry and art work, winning the prestigious Philbrook Art Center's Grand Award in 1967. In addition, he was a businessman, with his own arts and crafts store in Tulsa, a lecturer, international traveller, author, and translator for the Bureau of American Ethnology. He assited L. A. White in his extensive studies of the Acoma Indians and made recordings for the National Anthropological Archives. Wolf Robe was particularly interested in the preservation of tribal customs, language and culture, and devoted his own time to this and the encouragement of others in similar efforts. Of his work at BAE he said, "My work there as an interpreter is the highlight of my efforts in trying to preseve all of the rich and wholesome lore of my people."* Not only was the preservation of the 'old ways' important to Wolf Robe, but also the representation and dissemination of his culture to whites, in an effort to promote their understanding and appreciation. He travelled all over Europe and to Australia for the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, representing the American Indian to an appreciative audience.
All precious metals are tested and guaranteed. A Native American jewelry piece referred to as "silver" or "ingot" is guaranteed to be at least 90% silver. I rarely use the word "sterling" when referring to older Native American silver or really any older silver jewelry as silver contents vary and "sterling" is 92.5% silver. No older jewelry is going to be exactly 92.5% silver, some a little over, some a little under. It wasn't an exact thing with handmade jewelry. I've seen thousands of pieces xrf'd to prove this. Bracelets are photographed on a 6" women's wrist.
