Bracelet after 1935

This bracelet was made by a Navajo (Diné) artist out of silver and turquoise. It embodies a story of cultural endurance and adaptation. Navajo silversmithing emerged in the mid-19th century, a period marked by immense upheaval as the Diné people faced forced displacement and cultural suppression by the U.S. government. Originally taught by Mexican blacksmiths, the Diné transformed this new medium into a unique art form which reflected their own worldview, values, and relationship to the land. The turquoise holds deep spiritual significance, believed to bring protection, healing, and good fortune. A piece such as this therefore transcends mere adornment. It serves as a tangible link to ancestral traditions, and a powerful emblem of identity and resilience. The bracelet is a personal statement, connecting the wearer to their heritage and to the broader narrative of the Diné people.