Bracelet c. 1950

This bracelet was made by a Navajo artist out of silver, featuring a turquoise stone. The cold, hard materiality of the silver contrasts with the soft, organic form of a flower. The artist created this structure by arranging tear-shaped components in a radial pattern, evoking floral symmetries. The bracelet’s formal composition is striking. It consists of repeating geometric forms, carefully interlocked to create both visual interest and structural integrity. The contrast between the rigid metal and the fluid design reflects a deeper tension. The central turquoise disrupts the continuity of the silver, drawing the eye to its unique coloration. This piece exemplifies how indigenous artisans combine natural and constructed forms. The bracelet is not just ornamentation, but a semiotic object. It invites us to reflect on the interplay between nature, art, and cultural identity.