Inlay, Overlay, & Underlay

As I am working on finishing up the projects on the bench I am noting that I am using inlay, underlay, and overlay techniques.  The Zuni people mastered inlay, Hopi the overlay, and Navajo/Pueblo people were over and underlay experts.  Sometimes folks ask me whether my pieces are Navajo and it really is not that simple.  I am a contemporary artist and my work is a cross
pollination of all the Indian Jewelry that I have ever been exposed to, seen in a book, or handled.  Like my ancestors and fellow smiths, I use what I have available.....I recycle.