Spirit of Alaska Belt

     The Spirit of Alaska Belt was finished in November of 1984. This belt was originally titled ”Alaska, The Land and Spirit of My People” and is unique in that it is reversible—one of only two such belts which the Wallaces have made.Until this time, the Wallaces were using contemporary designs with clean lines and geometric shapes that included the whole range of Denise’s skills as a metal-smith and Wally’s tenacious lapidary talent and love of exotic minerals. In the early summer of 1984, they won a “Best of Show” award at the Eight Northern Pueblo Arts and Crafts show for a belt with this modern styling. The design of the Spirit of Alaska Belt is still rooted in that first prize winner, but by this point (a mere six months later) the Wallaces had added a theme to the design, and begun to use their jewelry to tell a story. The idea of jewelry with a cultural theme, and using it to tell a story was to become the hallmark of all their subsequent work.
    The Spirit of Alaska Belt consists of twelve linked segments that have an engraved scene on one side and an associated design inlaid with semi-precious stones on the other. Each piece represents a different aspect of coastal life in Alaska, both that of humans as well as that of the animals with which they share this remarkable land. Unlike the later belts, the segments in this piece do not separate from the whole - perhaps it can be seen as a reminder that all life, and all stories, are connected.
    The Spirit of Alaska Belt is made from Sterling Silver and a variety of semi-precious stones and ancient Fossilized Walrus Tusk Ivory. It measures 30” long and is signed on the face of the attaching hook. Each segment measures approximately 2” x 1.25”.
    Information on pricing, viewing in person, and other details is available by request to Grant or Betsy Turner at 877-909-8794 or sales@longagoandfaraway.com
     A booklet has been published on this amazing piece, and we've put the pages of that booklet into a slideshow which you will find below - please use the Left/Right arrows to navigate through the book.