Vintage Hopi Sterling Silver Overlay Pendant by Michael Sockyma Sr.

Authentic vintage Hopi sterling silver overlay pendant, handcrafted by renowned master silversmith Michael Sockyma Sr. (Corn Clan) of Hotevilla, Arizona. Expertly executed in the traditional Hopi overlay technique, this collectible wearable artwork beautifully balances mid-century modern aesthetics with centuries-old Indigenous symbolism.
The pendant features a deeply meaningful stylized Sacred Corn motif, one of the most revered symbols in Hopi culture. Rendered in a stylized, abstract form, the design depicts a sacred corn plant with flowing leaves and an ear of corn divided by a dynamic diagonal composition. In Hopi tradition, corn represents life, sustenance, abundance, fertility, and the continuity of generations. The stepped element in the upper corner alludes to the interconnected relationship between rain, the earth, and the sacred cycle of growth upon which all life depends.
The reverse is stamped with Michael Sockyma's registered pictograph hallmark-a stylized corn plant resting upon a crescent base-alongside a "Sterling" stamp, confirming its authenticity and collectible provenance. Born in 1942 and trained at the legendary Hopicrafts Guild in 1965, Michael Sockyma Sr. is an award-winning Hopi artist whose works are highly regarded among collectors of Native American jewelry.
Product Details
Artist: Michael Sockyma Sr. (Hopi, Hotevilla Village, Arizona)
Clan: Corn Clan
Material: Solid Sterling Silver (.925)
Technique: Hand-Cut Silver Overlay with Hand-Chiseled Oxidized Background
Motif: Sacred Corn Plant Symbolizing Life, Abundance & Renewal
Style: Native American / Southwestern / Collectible Vintage
Era: Circa 1970s
Measurements: Approximately 1 3/4 inches long (including bail)
Condition: Good vintage condition with beautiful natural patina and original background oxidation fully intact.
A striking example of museum-quality Hopi silverwork, this pendant is more than jewelry-it is a wearable expression of Hopi cultural tradition, artistic mastery, and the enduring symbolism of sacred corn as the source of life and prosperity.