Horse Headstall c. 1870s

This horse headstall was made by a Navajo artist using leather and silver. Notice the striking contrast between the dark leather straps and the gleaming silver ornamentation. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension that speaks to the fusion of function and artistry. The design employs geometric shapes and patterns – circles, rectangles, and cross-like motifs. The arrangement is symmetrical, which imparts a sense of balance. But look closely, there is also the organic curve of the leather straps, and the way the silver pieces hang, creating a rhythm with the horse's movement. The combination of these elements is a structured yet dynamic whole. This reflects a cultural aesthetic that values both order and fluidity. In this way the headstall transcends its practical purpose to embody a deeper symbolic language.