Collar points Date Unknown

These silver collar points, crafted by a Navajo artist, feature the serene beauty of turquoise stones. The turquoise, a stone revered across cultures, is set amidst silverwork mimicking the delicate structure of feathers or leaves. These elements resonate deeply within the Navajo tradition, symbolizing protection and a profound connection to nature. Consider, if you will, how the image of feathers also appears in ancient Egyptian art, adorning deities, or how leaves have graced classical Greek and Roman sculptures, representing fertility and growth. Yet, here, the Navajo artist infuses these symbols with unique cultural significance. The turquoise, believed to possess healing properties, transforms the object into an amulet. This piece shows the capacity of symbols to endure, resurface, and evolve. It illustrates how collective memory and subconscious processes may affect the interpretation of the motifs, subtly engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.