Vintage Navajo or Zuni “Sterling K S” Bear Heartland Fetish Sterling Belt Buckle

This piece is a Native American Southwest fetish bear belt buckle, crafted from sterling silver with an overlay design.  Stamped on the back:  “Sterling K S”  The Heartline Arrow: The zigzag lightning bolt extending from the mouth to the body is a traditional Indigenous symbol known as a heartline. It represents the breath of life, warrior spirit, and inner strength of the animal. A black onyx stone is set in the.piece as an eye.   The Bear Fetish Shape is modeled after traditional Zuni or Navajo stone-carved bear fetishes, characterized by a heavy, hunched back and a short, stylized cutout separating the legs.  The design is created using two layers of silver. The top layer has the geometric patterns carefully cut out, which is then soldered to a solid bottom layer that has been darkened (oxidized) to create deep visual contrast.  Purchased used 10-15 years or so ago. No other history known. Beautifully crafted - hinged buckle keeper accommodates a belt up to 1 inch wide.   Measures 3” x 2”.   Quality buckle! Minor scratches usually for age of the buckle, as shown in photos.   Approximate weight 50 grams.