The Navajo Nation is one of the largest Native American Tribes. It offers a rich history and culture that has developed around the creation of Navajo jewelry. Modern artists use centuries old techniques that are passed down through the generations and combine them with current instruments to make masterpieces. It is widely recognized and sought after by the world over.
These pieces were first made by the tribe from nothing more than fibers from plants and accented with stones or wooden beads. The combination created simple, basic designs. It was not until the Spanish came in contact with them that metal workers learned to blend metals into the art form. The initial metals used were of copper and brass, not the silver artwork it is now known for. The techniques were maintained within the tribes and the knowledge passed to family members.
In the 1800s, as the southwest region was expanding, silver jewelry became a sign of status. The initial skills that were given by the Spanish were dramatically improved upon as a result of the forced confinement in the 1860s caused by the US government. The unique style that was created became strongly associated with the Nation.
The popularity of these pieces increased dramatically when introduced to the tourist market in the 1900s. Tourists swarmed to the designs of silver and turquoise that were created. By keeping to the traditional stones, these pieces established a niche that continues today.
Turquoise has often been called a sky stone due to its blue coloring. Ancient people held the belief that due to the color it was an actual piece of the sky that had landed on the Earth. Art with these stones have been dated back to 200 BC.
The techniques for the creation of Navajo jewelry has long been passed among family members. For this reason it holds a strong place in the culture of The Nation. There is an undeniable extensive history in these works. Read more about: navajo jewelry
These pieces were first made by the tribe from nothing more than fibers from plants and accented with stones or wooden beads. The combination created simple, basic designs. It was not until the Spanish came in contact with them that metal workers learned to blend metals into the art form. The initial metals used were of copper and brass, not the silver artwork it is now known for. The techniques were maintained within the tribes and the knowledge passed to family members.
In the 1800s, as the southwest region was expanding, silver jewelry became a sign of status. The initial skills that were given by the Spanish were dramatically improved upon as a result of the forced confinement in the 1860s caused by the US government. The unique style that was created became strongly associated with the Nation.
The popularity of these pieces increased dramatically when introduced to the tourist market in the 1900s. Tourists swarmed to the designs of silver and turquoise that were created. By keeping to the traditional stones, these pieces established a niche that continues today.
Turquoise has often been called a sky stone due to its blue coloring. Ancient people held the belief that due to the color it was an actual piece of the sky that had landed on the Earth. Art with these stones have been dated back to 200 BC.
The techniques for the creation of Navajo jewelry has long been passed among family members. For this reason it holds a strong place in the culture of The Nation. There is an undeniable extensive history in these works. Read more about: navajo jewelry
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