Belt Buckle c. 1930s

This rectangular belt buckle, of unknown origin, features turquoise and silver. Look at the edges, there is an almost obsessive quality to the repeated triangular and semi-circular indentations. It's as if the artist enters a meditative state, marking the surface with unwavering focus. Now, see how the turquoise stone, is surrounded by a diamond shape with more concentric marks. The metal is pushed around the edges of the stone, holding it firmly in place. The artist’s hand is visible, in the subtle variations. It's not just about symmetry; it's about touch and pressure. The metal bumps are like punctuation marks, anchoring the design and adding texture. This buckle reminds me of the work of Ree Morton, who used humble materials to create objects that have both formal and emotional resonance. The anonymous artist is creating something deeply personal.