{"product_id":"vintage-1977-jim-schoppert-tlingit-raven-belt-buckle-toklat-trading-co-alaska-indiana-metal-craft","title":"Vintage 1977 Jim Schoppert Tlingit Raven Belt Buckle – Toklat Trading Co. Alaska – Indiana Metal Craft","description":"\u003cp\u003eA distinctive piece of \u003cstrong\u003e1970s Alaska Native art and vintage belt buckle history\u003c\/strong\u003e, this buckle features the stylized \u003cstrong\u003eRaven Phratry Symbol\u003c\/strong\u003e designed by noted Tlingit artist \u003cstrong\u003eJim Schoppert\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front displays Schoppert's striking Raven design in raised relief against a deeply textured background, with an aged silver-tone finish and darkened recesses that beautifully emphasize the Northwest Coast-inspired imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this buckle particularly desirable is the extensive information preserved on the reverse. It identifies the design as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRAVEN – PHRATRY SYMBOL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Noted by the straight beak. Tlingit legend states ‘Raven brought light to the world.’”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is further marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist – Jim Schoppert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e© Copyright 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTlingit – Born Juneau, AK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToklat Trading Co. – Alaska\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndiana Metal Craft\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchoppert was a Tlingit artist, sculptor, printmaker and writer who became an important figure in contemporary Alaska Native art. His documented authorship gives this buckle considerably more historical and artistic interest than an unsigned vintage souvenir buckle. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring approximately \u003cstrong\u003e2¾\" wide × 2\" high\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is an excellent collectible for enthusiasts of vintage belt buckles, Alaska memorabilia, Northwest Coast art and works associated with Jim Schoppert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buckle shows vintage surface wear, some scratches and patina consistent with its age. I would \u003cstrong\u003enot polish it\u003c\/strong\u003e; the existing finish works very well with the design.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buckle Up and Go","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49342529929451,"sku":null,"price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0807\/3383\/1403\/files\/raven.png?v=1788478432","url":"https:\/\/buckleupandgo.com\/products\/vintage-1977-jim-schoppert-tlingit-raven-belt-buckle-toklat-trading-co-alaska-indiana-metal-craft","provider":"Buckle Up and Go","version":"1.0","type":"link"}