Calvin Tom Old Lander Turquoise and gold Ring
First of all, Navajo jewelry is made by the the Navajo or Navaho (Navajo: Diné or Naabeehó) of the Southwestern United States. They are the largest tribe in the United States.
As a result, the Navajo Nation constitutes an independent governmental body, which manages the reservation in the Four Corners area of the United States. In addition, the language is in use throughout the region with most Navajo speaking English as well.
Especially relevant, the states with the largest Navajo populations are Arizona and New Mexico. As a result, over three-quarters of the Navajo population reside in these two states.
Most noteworthy, silversmithing is an important art form among Navajo. Atsidi Sani (c. 1830–c. 1918) has the credit of being the first Navajo silversmith. Furthermore, he learns this skill from a Mexican man called Nakai Tsosi (“Thin Mexican”) around 1878 and begins teaching other Navajo how to work with silver.
Finally, by 1880, Navajo silversmiths are creating handmade jewelry including bracelets, tobacco flasks, necklaces and bracers. In conclusion, they later add silver earrings, buckles, bolos, hair ornaments, pins and squash blossom necklaces for tribal use, Consequently, they sell jewelry to tourists as a way to supplement their income.
Later entrepreneurs make “tourist jewelry” Most notably, this jewelry typically comes from machines, rather than craftsman’s hands. Ironically, in some cases, Navajo run the jewelry press, so the jewelry is “Indian Made.” Most noteworthy, Anglos design this jewelry, with their tourists in mind.
Finally, an entrepeneur, Fred Harvey, designs this jewelry to be more “Indian” looking. Consequently, his designs are nothing like what the Navajo are producing prior to his influence.
To learn about Hopi Jewelry, click HERE.
*Portions of Information provided by Wikipedia ©
