Silver Diné Eagle with Green Turquoise Pin [SOLD]

When the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway arrived in the American Southwest in the 1880's, the designs, shapes and styles of jewelry, pottery, textiles and other art forms began to change as a result of the influence of the tourist market. One design that was extremely popular was the eagle. A “Symbol of America” as well as a very special bird for Native Americans, the eagle motif was frequently used in jewelry and sold to tourists eager for a unique, hand-made piece of American symbolism and strength.

This large eagle pin is a very good example of a “tourist piece” made during the 1920s to 1940s. It is cut and shaped from sheet silver and then delicately stamped to create eagle feathers. A deep green piece of turquoise is then set in the middle. True age has given this piece a lovely authentic patina.