Bracelet c. 1930s

This bracelet was created by a Navajo (Diné) artist, and it is currently held in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The bracelet's presence speaks to the complex history of Native American art, particularly in relation to cultural exchange and economic pressures. Jewelry making became a significant source of income for the Navajo in the late 19th century, a period marked by immense cultural disruption and forced assimilation. Pieces like this bracelet, crafted from silver and turquoise, were often made for trade or sale to non-Native populations. The bracelet also embodies the intersection of cultural identity and artistic expression, as the turquoise holds deep cultural significance, representing beauty, protection, and connection to the land. By adapting traditional motifs and materials to new forms and markets, the Navajo simultaneously preserved their cultural heritage and navigated the challenges of colonialism. This bracelet, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, adaptation, and enduring creativity of the Navajo people.