Necklace c. 1950

Curator: At the Minneapolis Institute of Art, we have a stunning Navajo necklace crafted around 1950. Its elegant use of silver, a signature element, makes it visually compelling. Editor: My first impression is one of lunar coolness. The silver, with its reflective surface and repeating spherical and cactus forms, has a celestial feel to it. Curator: It's fascinating how you perceive celestial elements! The repetition of those rounded forms indeed guides the eye, creating a cohesive rhythm. Semiotically, one might interpret the beads as points of structured articulation across the design's morphology. Editor: The naja, the crescent shape pendant, is particularly captivating, historically associated with warding off evil and bringing protection, a common design in Navajo and other Southwestern tribal jewelry. Curator: Indeed, the naja as an icon has undergone transformations over time, acquiring different significations within Navajo culture while also representing an unbroken line of continuity across generations. The material itself contributes much to its character, as the silver becomes more supple, gaining a patina through the passage of time. Editor: And there is a sense of prosperity associated with this piece, because the designs contain what looks like stylized cactus images, which, as a plant is particularly suited to survival in very challenging locations. It signifies perseverance, a visual reminder that despite obstacles, one can endure. Curator: Very insightful! In examining the artwork formally, observe the spatial relationships. The silver components define both positive and negative space, creating an equilibrium between forms. Editor: Looking at it through the lens of cultural memory is remarkable. It transcends mere adornment. I will look at silver in new light. Curator: Quite right. Contemplating its physical architecture really reveals profound layers, adding richness to experience of art.