The jewelry industry is a vital part of the bigger, multi-billion-dollar fashion industry. Nothing can transform an outfit quite like a striking necklace, earrings or bracelet can. If you can find a piece that is not only unique but also versatile enough to go with any look from ethnic to Bohemian, you may be making one of the best investments of your life. Something that fits the bill is authentic Navajo jewelry.
In the Navajo language, the people call themselves the Dine. They are the largest of America's native tribes. Their ancestors have lived in the Southwest for centuries and today their tribal lands cover large parts of New Mexico and Arizona but also the southerns parts of Utah.
While the Plains Tribes are known for their beaded jewelry, the Dine is famous for their use of turquoise and silver. Interestingly, they used to wear pieces made of leather, copper and brass more often in the past. The use of silver only became commonplace about 150 years ago.
The man responsible for the change was Atsidi Sani, whose name means 'old smith'. A Mexican friend, Nakai Tsosi, taught him how to be a blacksmith sometime during the mid-19th century. Some believe that he was the first Dine blacksmith and it is certain that he was the first to work with silver. His sons as well as some other men in the tribe learnt from him how to work with the precious metal.
The early smiths used whatever materials they could find to create their pieces. They would melt down household items like candlesticks and use the melted silver to cast new pieces, using molds carved from sandstone. They would also hammer and shape things like silver dollars into new items like the concha disks used to decorate belts.
The Dine is known especially for the so-called squash blossom necklace. Some of the beads used in this type of necklace look like the blossoms of the squash plant but are actually made to resemble the buttons that were used on the pants that the Spaniards and Mexicans wore. These beads are strung together with round silver beads. A centerpiece known as a 'naja' hangs from the strand like a pendant. The 'naja' is usually shaped like a horseshoe.
Authentic pieces made by Dine craftsmen are handmade. They also bear the artist's hallmark as proof of their authenticity. This is important to keep in mind when you consider buying, since the market unfortunately is flooded with fake pieces made in the East and passed off as Navajo in origin.
Fake pieces often use inferior materials like plastic instead of real turquoise stones. While these items are much cheaper, bear in mind that buying an authentic piece will ensure an income for an artist closer to home. If you cannot buy your Navajo jewelry directly from the creator, you may find stunning items online. If you're in the Four Corners area, also be sure to browse the galleries and antique stores that specialize in selling Native American arts and crafts.
In the Navajo language, the people call themselves the Dine. They are the largest of America's native tribes. Their ancestors have lived in the Southwest for centuries and today their tribal lands cover large parts of New Mexico and Arizona but also the southerns parts of Utah.
While the Plains Tribes are known for their beaded jewelry, the Dine is famous for their use of turquoise and silver. Interestingly, they used to wear pieces made of leather, copper and brass more often in the past. The use of silver only became commonplace about 150 years ago.
The man responsible for the change was Atsidi Sani, whose name means 'old smith'. A Mexican friend, Nakai Tsosi, taught him how to be a blacksmith sometime during the mid-19th century. Some believe that he was the first Dine blacksmith and it is certain that he was the first to work with silver. His sons as well as some other men in the tribe learnt from him how to work with the precious metal.
The early smiths used whatever materials they could find to create their pieces. They would melt down household items like candlesticks and use the melted silver to cast new pieces, using molds carved from sandstone. They would also hammer and shape things like silver dollars into new items like the concha disks used to decorate belts.
The Dine is known especially for the so-called squash blossom necklace. Some of the beads used in this type of necklace look like the blossoms of the squash plant but are actually made to resemble the buttons that were used on the pants that the Spaniards and Mexicans wore. These beads are strung together with round silver beads. A centerpiece known as a 'naja' hangs from the strand like a pendant. The 'naja' is usually shaped like a horseshoe.
Authentic pieces made by Dine craftsmen are handmade. They also bear the artist's hallmark as proof of their authenticity. This is important to keep in mind when you consider buying, since the market unfortunately is flooded with fake pieces made in the East and passed off as Navajo in origin.
Fake pieces often use inferior materials like plastic instead of real turquoise stones. While these items are much cheaper, bear in mind that buying an authentic piece will ensure an income for an artist closer to home. If you cannot buy your Navajo jewelry directly from the creator, you may find stunning items online. If you're in the Four Corners area, also be sure to browse the galleries and antique stores that specialize in selling Native American arts and crafts.
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