Bracelet c. 1950s

This bracelet was made by a Navajo, or Diné, artist using silver. Its form is deceptively simple: an open band, punctuated by a central diamond shape and curvilinear motifs at each side. The material speaks volumes. Silverwork has a complex history in the American Southwest, introduced by European settlers but embraced and transformed by Indigenous artisans. The creation of jewelry became an important source of income, with designs often reflecting both traditional cultural symbols and the demands of the market. Look closely, and you’ll see the handwork involved in shaping the silver and stamping the decorative details. This wasn't simply a commercial transaction; it was a cultural statement, a way of adapting and thriving despite colonization. Appreciating this bracelet means understanding the labor, skill, and cultural context embedded in its making.