Most noteworthy, Hopi Jewelry is of a Southwest United States Native America culture. Consequently, when the Spanish encounter the Hopi in the 16th century, these explorers call them Pueblo people. As a result, this is because they live in villages (pueblos in the Spanish language).

In addition, the Hopi are of the Ancient Pueblo Peoples (Hopi: Hisatsinom or Navajo:Anasazi) who construct large apartment-house complexes. These complexes are in northeast Arizona. They are northwest of New Mexico, and southwest of Colorado.

Finally, they live along the Mogollon Rim, especially from AD 1100s–1300s, when they leave their large villages. In addition, no researchers have been able to determine the reason. Consequently it is likely that a drying of water sources would force the people away.

Notably, on Third Mesa, stands the village of the Old Oraibi. As a matter of fact, it is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement on the North American continent. Uniquely, it begins in 1100 A.D.  In like manner, on Third Mesa also stand “suburbs” of Old Oraibi; the villages of Kykotsmovi, Bacavi, Hotevilla, and Upper and Lower Moenkopi.  In addition, people know Third Mesa for its fine weaving of traditional Hopi clothing and textiles, wicker plaques, and multi-color yucca baskets. Also, for its artistic paintings and Hopi Over-lay Jewelry. Finally, the second mesa, home to the villages Shungopavi, Sipaulvi and Mishongnovi, also produces jewelry. 

Especially relevant, sterling silver overlay of Hopi jewelry involves two pieces of silver. As a result, designs are cut into one piece, which the artist overlay and solders to another solid piece. Consequently, this is the procedure that Hopi silversmiths employ. In addition they sometimes highlight with the use of an oxidize or texture silver base. Finally, the brush or polish overlay stands in brighter contrast to the dark background.

Hopi Indian jewelry often includes the use of  symbols and designs such as bear claw, cornstock, Kokopelli, Man in the maze.                                                                                                                                            * Information provided by Wikipedia ©

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