Navajo Sterling Silver and Turquoise Dragonfly Pin [SOLD]

The 1930s were an innovative time for Navajo silversmithing. Two factors influenced this creative explosion. First was the availability of new materials and techniques. Sheet metal and sterling silver slugs as well as pre-cut and polished stones were made available from the traders. Second was the development of a partnership between the traders and artists to facilitate the production of goods. These two factors allowed the artists to be more creative in their work.

The tourist industry in the American Southwest was booming and the art of the Native American Jewelry was in high demand. Traders encouraged Navajo jewelers to experiment with new ideas that would appeal to the tourists. They used images like eagles and arrows that travelers associated with Indian culture as well as bird and animal figures that reflected their appreciation of the natural world.

This dragonfly pin is a great example of how the availability of new materials facilitated the creative accomplishments of Indian silversmiths.  Sheet silver was available for purchase by the smiths and, being thinner, was easier to form into desired shapes.  The wings on this dragonfly were fashioned from sheet silver and the body from stock material.  A beautiful blue turquoise cab was placed on the back of the insect.

Recommended Reading:  Masterworks and Eccentricities: The Druckman Collection; Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry and Metalwork 1880-1950 by Robert Bauver.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Colorado