This classic plate by Preston Duwyenie.  The piece is slipped on the front and back with micaceous clay and fired a metallic black.  It is inset with two square pieces of silver.  The silver has the appearance of “shifting sands”, much in a similar style to the pottery where he has carved a shifting sand pattern.  It is cast by Preston against cuttlefish bone, to create the distinctive texture.  The plate is signed in the clay with Preston’s hallmark, which means “carried in beauty”.  There is certainly something both modern and ancient about this striking piece!   Preston is from Third Mesa at Hopi and taught ceramics for years at the Institute of American Indian Art (IAIA) in Santa Fe.  He is married to pottery Debra Duwyenie and now resides in Santa Clara Pueblo.  Preston has won numerous awards for pottery, including “Best of Show” at the Heard Indian Market.