Silver
The Navajo and Pueblo peoples began making silver jewelry some time in the 1860s. The first pieces collected by outsiders were from the old Ft. Wingate area of New Mexico, in the vicinity of Acoma/Laguna, and from Zuni and the Navajo checker board reservation. The first silversmiths were probably Pueblo peoples who learned the craft from Spanish/Mexican blacksmiths or silversmiths. Certainly by the end of the 19th century the craft of working in silver had spread throughout the Pueblos and Navajo reservations.
I specialize in selling native made jewelry from this early period, roughly 1870-1930. The jewelry from this period was made with very simple tools under primitive conditions yet has an extremely sophisticated and powerful look.
A narrow bracelet or flattened bangle, ingot silver, circa 1900, File and stamp work, medium sized wrist. Incredibly comfortable to wear.
Beautiful ingot silver bracelet with sunburst chiseled plate and beautiful hand cut stone, early 1900’s, small to medium size wrist.
A narrow ingot bracelet, probably Pueblo with the ornate silver wire work, early 1900s, Medium size wrist.
Collection of all natural American Turquoise
Largest stone approximately 3”
silver back, 14 and 18 karat gold bezels
Ketoh is the Navajo word for bow guard, used to protect the
wrist from the snap of the bow string. Though bow and arrows were still being used by the Navajo in the early 20th century
ketohs were mostly being worn on ceremonial occasions as a sign of war and hunting prowess as well as wealth and prestige.
