Bracelet c. 1950

This bracelet was made by a Zuni artist, also known as A'shiwi, using silver and turquoise. The turquoise stones are carefully set in rows, each held in place by meticulously crafted silver bezels. Consider the labor involved in creating this piece. Each tiny turquoise stone has to be individually shaped, polished, and set. The silversmith would have used techniques like soldering and filing to create a smooth, refined surface for the metal. The result is a stunning grid, with the cool silver providing a luminous counterpoint to the vibrant blue of the turquoise. Jewelry like this is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Zuni artisans. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this bracelet speaks to cultural identity, and the ways in which traditional skills can be both preserved and transformed. It challenges the divide between art and craft, inviting us to see the skill involved in its creation.