Man in the Maze Pin/Pendant on Handmade Chain

Sterling silver mill-rolled sheet and hand-drawn wire were used to fabricate the pin/ pendant and its chain.

The remarkable skill displayed in the overlay execution of this art-to-wear necklace, by Lawrence Saufie, is achieved by soldering a saw cut-out pattern sheet over a base sheet which has been textured using a small chisel-edged stamp. 

Oxidation of the background (through the cutout) creates the dramatic contrast so beguiling in this master's work.  The surface is then polished and brush finished to a silken satin sheen.

The chain is also Mr. Saufkie's creation.  Made of heavy gauge sheet, cut into perfect 1/16" wide strips, he made and solder closed each of the 48 links. Each is finished with the same whisper glow dancing over and with his "man in the maze". 

The precision of pattern is matched by such finessed execution, no one can imagine the hours of filing it took to create razoe-edge

(Born circa 1935-2011) Lawrence Saufkie was taught to make jewelry by his father, Paul Saufkie. Lawrence in turn has taught many other Hopi artisans.

Saufkie's numerous awards date from 1962. He was designated an Arizona Living Treasure in 2002.

Collections including his work: Peabody Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass as well as the Heard Museum and the Museum of Northern Arizona. His work has been reproduced in every definitive book focused on Hopi jewelers.

Lawrence Saufkie's hallmark has been the bear, adding the name "Saufkie" in Gothic print in later years.