The Navajo Nation is the largest Southwest Native American tribes. They have been making silver and turquoise ornamentation since the early fifteenth century. Some sources will tell you that they learned their skills from the Spanish after seeing the decorations on saddles and soldiers who came to find gold and silver. Others believe that they were self taught with some input from neighboring tribes. Either way, the Navajo Jewelry found today has its foundation in early American history.
Using the basic ideas gained from the medallions seen on the Spanish horses and clothing they were able to create necklaces and belts that appealed to both the white man and other neighboring tribes. They became very adept at designing bold and unique looks for each new item they made. Travelers and hunters were able to trade their goods for the ornate items made in the villages.
Before long their skills had progressed to expert silversmith levels and they began adding turquoise and other gems to the pieces they created. They developed a means of sand casting the silver and developed more intricate designs for necklaces and bracelets. For many years the main items created were necklaces, bracelets and belt hooks, many of which were traded to the white towns people for silver plugs that they could melt down to make more pieces.
The popularity of these items rises and falls dependent on the exposure they get from celebrities and the fashion industry but there has always been a hard core of collectors that purchase them for the bold beauty they offer. The most recognizable pieces will be made of sterling silver and have large gems implanted in them. The necklaces and bracelets that you see will generally contain either turquoise or coral as a center piece.
Today you can find items with stones arranged in the form of animals, reptiles or birds. Another favorite is the fetishes that were popular with tribes as spirits that protected tribes, families or crops. Ear rings are a favorite item for the nature shapes such as birds or small mammals. When created by authentic members of the tribe these pieces can rival anything created by their ancestors.
There is another technique used by these artists to create unique items. The die cast system uses a solid die that is imprinted on the silver to detail floral or other designs into the body of the item. The masters of this process can strike the die several times in the exact spot creating a deep and crisp appearing image that will endure for a lifetime.
When shopping for this type of jewelry you will find a wide range of pieces and prices to select from. There are markets for every budget but you will find that the pieces created by authentic Native American artists will be far more expensive. They may also prove to be the best value for your investment because they will retain their value through the years and perhaps even gain value over time.
Many people collect these pieces as they would gather heirlooms for their families. The styles and designs available allow something for every taste and whether you prefer large or small pieces you can find what you are looking for. And you can be pretty sure it will be one of a kind when you wear it.
Using the basic ideas gained from the medallions seen on the Spanish horses and clothing they were able to create necklaces and belts that appealed to both the white man and other neighboring tribes. They became very adept at designing bold and unique looks for each new item they made. Travelers and hunters were able to trade their goods for the ornate items made in the villages.
Before long their skills had progressed to expert silversmith levels and they began adding turquoise and other gems to the pieces they created. They developed a means of sand casting the silver and developed more intricate designs for necklaces and bracelets. For many years the main items created were necklaces, bracelets and belt hooks, many of which were traded to the white towns people for silver plugs that they could melt down to make more pieces.
The popularity of these items rises and falls dependent on the exposure they get from celebrities and the fashion industry but there has always been a hard core of collectors that purchase them for the bold beauty they offer. The most recognizable pieces will be made of sterling silver and have large gems implanted in them. The necklaces and bracelets that you see will generally contain either turquoise or coral as a center piece.
Today you can find items with stones arranged in the form of animals, reptiles or birds. Another favorite is the fetishes that were popular with tribes as spirits that protected tribes, families or crops. Ear rings are a favorite item for the nature shapes such as birds or small mammals. When created by authentic members of the tribe these pieces can rival anything created by their ancestors.
There is another technique used by these artists to create unique items. The die cast system uses a solid die that is imprinted on the silver to detail floral or other designs into the body of the item. The masters of this process can strike the die several times in the exact spot creating a deep and crisp appearing image that will endure for a lifetime.
When shopping for this type of jewelry you will find a wide range of pieces and prices to select from. There are markets for every budget but you will find that the pieces created by authentic Native American artists will be far more expensive. They may also prove to be the best value for your investment because they will retain their value through the years and perhaps even gain value over time.
Many people collect these pieces as they would gather heirlooms for their families. The styles and designs available allow something for every taste and whether you prefer large or small pieces you can find what you are looking for. And you can be pretty sure it will be one of a kind when you wear it.
No comments:
Post a Comment