Agustín Torres Beltran has made a name for himself and his art using pieces of Mata Ortiz pottery (sherds) recovered from failed pottery firings.  He makes his home in Taxco, the silver making capital of Mexico and uses the inspirations from ancient Mimbres animals, Casas Grandes, and Paquimé motifs as themes in his silversmith art.

This collection has no pottery sherds, but the earrings and hinged collar and cuff boldly display the serpent deity honored by these cultures.

Dimensions:

The collar is 18.5” in total length, tapering from .875” width at center back hinge to 1.125” at the opened mouth end.  The serpent’s head is 2.5” in length.  Weight:  209 grams.

The cuff is 7.5” in circumference, tapering from .625” width at center hinge to .875” at the opened mouth end.  The serpent’s head is 1.75” in length.  Weight:  102 grams.

The earrings are 1.5” in length, tapering from .5” to .75” in width at the opened mouth.  Weight: 12.6 grams.

Artist’s biography is available here.