Bracelet c. 1950s

This bracelet was crafted from silver by a Navajo (Diné) artist, its date is unknown. It’s a cuff, so it is a bold and embracing shape that feels inclusive. What I like about it is the double band and the way the gap creates an optical experience. I imagine how the artist carefully worked the silver, heating and hammering, coaxing it into form. It also gives the impression of something very delicate, like lace or fringe. The central motif is deeply satisfying, it’s almost like a fan. You can imagine this motif recurring in other Diné art, and maybe even in works by artisans around the world. Artists are always in conversation. It makes you think about how we borrow and adapt ideas, inspiring each other across time and place. And it’s not just about the finished object, but the conversation that has gone into its making.