Statement RARE 14K/925 Lakota MICHAEL LITTLE ELK Belt/12 BUCKLE Native American
Spectacular RARE handmade Sterling Silver and 14k Gold detail MICHAEL LITTLE ELK d. 2016 Belt and Buckle- buckle signed ML Elk 14k with a makers mark- no sterling mark- acid tested for sterling silver buckle alone weighs about 8.5 ounces-most likely one-of-a-kind. All his jewelry is handmade and not cast. Silver buckle is 12″ x 2 1/8″ with a 1 1/8″ wide soft velvety suede black belt strap- belt strap can be made to 42 1/4″ at the largest – is adjustable and can be made as small as you need. In good condition- normal scratches for it’s age – circa 80’s I believe- has 3 beautiful Purple GEMSTONES- not sure what type of gem they are- the bezels on the stones as well as other small triangles and shapes are a 14k solid Gold layer-not vermeil. The suede belt has some wear and creases. Artist Bio:”Michael Little Elk was raised in South Dakota on the Rosebud Reservation where he was fortunate enough to learn the traditions of his Native Lakota-Sioux culture.”’Raised on the reservation by his grandmother, this creative jeweler lived in the southwest, with his Navajo wife. However, his beautifully detailed, hand-wrought pieces reflect his Plains heritage in subject matter. He liked to accent his silver work with gold details, and create variety with polish, texture, darkened silver, etc. Horses and horsemen were favorite subjects, as were el warriors, and narratibe pieces depicting Lakota lore.’ His jewelry and sculptures have been included in the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and numerous galleries around the United States. I try my best to give accurate descriptions- HOWEVER, I SELL MOSTLY USED ITEMS AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LIST EVERY SMALL FLAW… IF SOMETHING IS OBVIOUS AND AFFECTS THE VALUE-IT WILL BE NOTED.