Bracelet c. 1930

This bracelet was made by Navajo (Diné) artists and is housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The bracelet features a continuous row of turquoise stones set in silver. The stones are arranged in alternating hues of vibrant blues and greens, creating a rhythmic visual pattern. Consider the bracelet’s structure. The stones, each unique in shape and matrix, are carefully arranged to bring balance to the overall design. The silver setting, worked with meticulous detail, frames each stone and contributes to the bracelet’s structural integrity. This piece exemplifies the artist's understanding of material properties and formal composition. We can interpret the bracelet through a semiotic lens, viewing the turquoise stones as signs carrying cultural and spiritual meanings within Navajo traditions. The arrangement and choice of materials reflect an understanding of Navajo aesthetics and values. This analysis invites us to see how the bracelet operates not just as adornment, but as a meaningful cultural artifact.