Bracelet c. 1900

This bracelet was crafted by a Navajo artist, using silver and turquoise, but its exact date is unknown. It is a striking example of Diné artistry and raises important questions about cultural heritage. The combination of silver and turquoise is not accidental; its symbolic resonance within Navajo culture cannot be overstated. Turquoise holds deep spiritual significance, representing the sky and offering protection. Silver, introduced by European settlers, became integrated into Diné jewelry-making and came to represent wealth and status. The bracelet's presence in a museum like Mia raises complex questions about the politics of display. These objects, removed from their original cultural contexts, enter into a new economy of value. As historians, we can analyze the bracelet's form and materials, research its cultural origins, and examine the museum's role in shaping its meaning for contemporary audiences.