The Story Of Navajo Jewelry Became A True American Classic

When travellers to the South West of the United States first encounter the marvelous craftmanship and finesse of Navajo jewelry, they often assume that it must be part of a tradition going back many hundreds of years. In actual fact, the art of metal working only arrived in Native American communities when the Spanish and other Europeans went to America. Although the skills were only acquired by the Navajo and other South Western Natives in approximately the middle of the 19th century, the skill and beauty of the pieces is often inspired.

The skill of silver smithing among the Navajo, who call themselves \’Dineh\’ in their own language, which is related to that of the Apache, actually owes its origins to Spanish ironworking. The skills associated with making objects from metal were learned by the Dineh from Spanish blacksmiths, a surprising fact when you see the kind of fine work that modern day silver Dineh jewelry involves.

The Dineh were compelled to use very unsophisticated tools in the early days of the craft, often shaped from pieces of scrap metal. Shears, hammers and files were later acquired through trade. The Dineh then took their skills to other Native Americans, and Zuni jewelry especially developed a strong identity and quality of its own.

But it was the Dineh who consolidated their place as the preeminent jewellers of the South West. They made early forges from mud, and conventional anvils were substituted by tree stumps or rocks. The Dineh used earthenware or iron for their crucibles, with the small silver ingots they created being pounded flat on rocks.

The craftsman would then form the shape that he wanted using shears and other cutting tools. Polishing work would be done with ashes or fine sand, to give the items the required finish. A final buffing for American Indian artifacts such as this was often carried out using buckskin.

Turquoise has been a gem stone associated with the Dineh since before the days of the arrival of the Europeans in the New World. This distinctive greenish blue gem was used alongside shells in Dineh ornaments before the acquisition of metal working skills by Native Americans. Many contemporary Dineh craftsmen and women still use turquoise to give their week a distinctive cultural emphasis.

With such a history behind it, there is little wonder that Navajo jewelry continues to attract interest from both serious collectors and the general public. Its striking designs and craftmanship, coupled with the great traditions it evokes, makes it a truly classic American style of ornament. Available from nowhere else in the world, the Dineh are justifiably proud of their jewelry.

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The Story Of Navajo Jewelry Became A True American Classic