Dig It - 9/28/23

Well Fellow Seekers, this is kind of a rare treat. This is a late 19th century, Navajo ingot silver and turquoise Manta pin. Not a lot of these survived. They were used to fasten a manta, which is sort of like a shawl, and possibly the old fashioned Navajo dresses. I guess these pins just became obsolete as Navajo fashion changed. When the Navajo changed to velveteen blouses decorated with silver collar tabs, buttons, and epaulets, the Manta Pins fell out of favor. However, I would not be surprised if some silversmiths continued to make manta pins for Pueblo customers who still wear mantas for special occasions today.

This manta pin has repoussé work with seven stamped bump-ups and filed on the edges. It has a hand cut stone, with a crude early style bezel. This wonderful little gem is available for sale. Keep seeking and stay curious. Lonesome