Clark, Carl & Irene Micro-Inlay Belt Buckle – Navajo Moon God & Stylized Yei

$10,000.00

This belt buckle by renowned Navajo artists Carl and Irene Clark showcases their signature micro-inlay mastery. Created over 42 years ago, it features the Navajo Moon God and a stylized Yei figure set in jet, turquoise, lapis, coral, mother of pearl, and shell—depicting a cosmic night sky. A rare early example of their work, it blends traditional Navajo symbolism with exceptional craftsmanship. Stamped with the Clarks’ hallmark and finished with hand-stamped silver.

Dimensions: 3″ 3/16th L X 2″ 3/16th

Belt: 1″ 3/4th

C. 1983

In Stock

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Curated Pairings

Clark, Carl & Irene Micro-Inlay Belt Buckle – Navajo Moon God & Stylized Yei + Carl and Irene Clark Micro-Inlaid Silver Bolo Tie "Tree Of Life"
Price for both: $32,000.00

Carl and Irene Clark are celebrated Navajo jewelers renowned for their innovative contributions to Native American jewelry, particularly through their groundbreaking micro-fine inlay technique. As a husband-and-wife team, their work beautifully blends traditional Navajo craftsmanship with contemporary design, setting them apart in the world of Native American art.

Carl Clark, a master silversmith, is known for his skillful use of silver, often incorporating stones like turquoise, coral, and onyx that hold deep cultural significance to the Navajo people. His intricate designs often feature Navajo symbols such as the Yei, spiritual figures representing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Irene Clark complements his work with her own expertise in design and inlay, contributing to the unique pieces they create together.

What truly sets the Clarks apart, however, is their pioneering work with *micro-fine inlay*. This technique involves the use of extremely small, precisely cut pieces of stone, meticulously set into sterling silver and gold. The inlays are so fine that they appear almost seamless, creating a smooth, continuous flow of color and texture. Their attention to detail and the precision required to craft these tiny inlay has garnered them widespread recognition.

The Clarks’ micro-fine inlay often incorporates geometric patterns, nature-inspired motifs, and traditional Navajo symbols, all of which are rendered with extraordinary skill and care. This technique elevates their jewelry, blending modern aesthetics with the cultural significance of their heritage. Their work pushes the boundaries of traditional Navajo inlaid jewelry, achieving a level of sophistication that has earned them a prominent place in the Native American art community.

Through their mastery of this delicate technique, Carl and Irene Clark have not only preserved and honored their Navajo roots but have also pushed the art form to new heights, creating jewelry that is both technically impressive and artistically exceptional.

  • Navajo Moon God – A celestial figure representing protection, harmony, and the eternal rhythm of the night sky.

  • Stylized Yei Figure – A sacred spiritual messenger from Navajo tradition, depicted here with geometric elegance and vibrant symmetry.

  • Micro-Inlay Mastery—This piece comprises hundreds of hand-cut stones—turquoise, jet, lapis, coral, shell, and mother of pearl—seamlessly set into a polished jet-black background, a volcanic material prized for its rich black depth.

  • Sterling Silver Frame – Beautifully hand fabricated and finished with decorative silver accents and micro-inlay border. The reverse side features hand-stamped designs for a touch of hidden artistry.

Handmade by renowned Navajo artists Carl and Irene Clark, this exceptional belt buckle is a stunning example of their world-famous micro-inlay artistry. Featuring the Navajo Moon God and a stylized Yei figure, both designs are meticulously composed of micro-fine inlay using turquoise, jet, lapis, mother of pearl, and shell. The Clarks are celebrated for their unmatched precision and signature micro-mosaic technique. They create wearable art that tells deep stories of Navajo culture, the cosmos, and spirit beings. Each piece blends traditional symbolism with the refined aesthetics of contemporary Native American jewelry. The back of the buckle is stamped with the Clarks’ stylized hallmark and finished with hand-stamped silver designs. When I showed Carl this buckle, he remembered making it 42 years ago, making this an early example of Clark’s jewelry showing a night sky. The Navajo Moon God is raised above the jet-black inlay. They added dots of set stones representing stars in the night sky consisting of coral, turquoise, and mother of pearl.