Pin c. 20th century

Curator: Here we have a piece identified as “Pin,” dating from the 20th century. It's Navajo, crafted from silver, and part of the decorative arts collection here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. What catches your eye first? Editor: Honestly? It looks like a stylized ice cream cone! It's got this radiant, almost Art Deco feel, and those tiny silver chains are wonderfully playful. Curator: Well, the geometric motifs are indeed striking. When viewed from an activist perspective, decorative objects such as this pin embody complex layers of meaning, reflecting both cultural preservation and economic necessity within Navajo communities. Editor: Right. It’s a powerful act, reclaiming and restyling traditional designs while also participating in broader economic structures. Curator: Precisely. Consider how this pin, potentially worn on clothing or a blanket, asserts a sense of identity and resilience, offering a counter-narrative to dominant cultural portrayals. Editor: And there’s a certain irony, isn’t there? That a piece designed, in part, for trade becomes this symbol of enduring cultural strength. You know, the light catches those etched lines and small dangles just so, almost giving the impression of movement or dance. Curator: That shimmering effect emphasizes its vitality. Each engraved line, each precisely placed element, becomes a statement—a reminder of stories told, skills passed down, and a continued presence on the land. Editor: It almost makes me want to take up metalworking myself... although I’m pretty sure my attempts would result in something far less graceful! Curator: Perhaps the most potent aspect of this “Pin” is its subtle declaration that Indigenous artistry is not a relic of the past, but a continuously evolving expression. Editor: Agreed. And appreciating objects like this means honoring not just the aesthetic achievement, but the people and history interwoven within it. Thanks for expanding my understanding. Curator: The pleasure was all mine. It is my hope that, from a historical and material point of view, we're also reflecting on the people and history interwoven within it.