Rare Native American Zuni C & D Cooche Cooeyate Signed Inlay Sterling 2 Pc Ranger Lizard Belt

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Rare Native American Zuni Zuni Pueblo C & D Cooche Cooeyate signed inlay & sterling 2 piece set Ranger attached … Read more Rare Native American Zuni Zuni Pueblo C & D Cooche Cooeyate signed inlay & sterling 2 piece set Ranger attached to a belt constructed of Lizard and laminated or stitched onto a cowhide backing for durability, which is standard for exotic leather belts in the region & likely created between the 1970s and 1980s. ​This period was the "golden era" for signed Zuni inlay jewelry, as artists like the Cooeyates who gained widespread recognition and higher-end exotic leathers became popular pairings for silver buckles.

It is signed by the artists are Casiano and Estella Cooeyate often identified as Cooche from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico and is pronounced KOO-ee-ah-tay.

I asked AI to help identify the stones: "Channel Inlay: This refers to the technique where stones are set into silver "channels." Multi-Stone Mosaic: Describes the colorful, geometric pattern.

Based on the colors and traditional materials used by Zuni lapidary artists, here are the most likely gemstones in your buckle:
​Gemstone Identification
​Turquoise (Light Blue/Green): The classic sky-blue and sea-foam green sections.
​Coral (Orange/Red): The scalloped vibrant orange sections are almost certainly Spiny Oyster shell or Mediterranean Coral, both of which are staples in Zuni jewelry.
​Mother of Pearl (White): The iridescent, creamy white rectangular sections.
​Jet (Black): The dark black sections used to create contrast and outlines. It is a fossilized coal that takes a high polish.
​Yellow Shell (Yellow): The thin yellow slivers are likely Gold Lip Mother of Pearl or Yellow Shell."

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Measurements: Buckle 1 1/2" x 1 3/4", End Piece 1 1/4" x 1/2", Belt width 3/4", Belt Length 34" (not including buckle), 5 holes in belt 26" - 30" See less