Bracelet c. 1930s

Here is a bracelet made with silver and turquoise by a Navajo artist. I love thinking about how the artist carefully selected each stone, probably sourcing it from the land, then cutting and polishing each one so it catches the light. It makes me think about what it must have been like to work with these materials, feeling the weight and coolness of the silver as they hammered and shaped it. I imagine they were considering which forms would best highlight the unique beauty of each turquoise piece. Look at how the twisted silver rope borders each side of the bracelet! Jewelry like this carries a story. This artist was drawing on the traditions of their people while also bringing their own artistic sensibility to each unique piece. Every detail has a purpose, born from a deep understanding of both material and cultural meaning. It’s a beautiful example of how craft and culture intertwine.