Necklace 1960

Editor: So, this is a "Necklace," created around 1960 by Navajo artists. It's made of silver and is currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It feels very striking, yet also very classic in its design. What's your take on this piece? Curator: It’s interesting to consider this necklace as more than just adornment. The squashes, the naja…these aren’t just pretty shapes. This type of necklace tells a complicated story of cultural exchange and, at times, appropriation. How do you think the broader context of Native American art and craft production impacts its meaning? Editor: That's something I hadn't considered. So, it’s not simply about personal expression, but also a reflection of historical dynamics and cultural narratives? The turquoise especially pops out against the silver. Curator: Exactly. Turquoise has long been culturally important, used in trade, investment and for ceremonial uses.. And silverworking was adopted with Spanish contact. By midcentury the American Southwest was marketed in a romantic vision that exoticised its Indigenous artists and communities.. It was something pushed both in advertising and government initiatives. What impact might commodification of art forms have on their cultural meaning and integrity? Editor: That makes you think... While celebrating a piece like this is positive, commodifying Native American art overlooks significant historical realities. Curator: Precisely! And this dynamic is still ongoing today. This piece isn't simply a product; it embodies a long history of cultural interaction, political power dynamics, and evolving identity. Editor: Wow, this definitely gave me something to chew on. It highlights that you can’t really divorce art from its broader socio-political circumstances. Curator: Agreed, art acts as a historical mirror.