Navajo Domed Silver Bracelet with Stamped Armadillo Design by Orville Tsinnie [SOLD]

C4220D-bracelet.jpg

+ Add to my watchlist Forward to Friend


Orville Tsinnie, Diné Jeweler
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Sterling Silver
  • Size: 5” End to End;
    1-¼” Opening; 1-⅞” Wide
  • Item # C4220D
  • SOLD

Image Source: Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia.Diné silversmith Orville Tsinnie used a single stamp and precision file work to design this gorgeous modern sterling silver cuff. Using a single circular stamp executed more than 100 times, Tsinnie created what is referred to as the Armadillo Design.  Armadillo is a Spanish word meaning "little armored one" and refers to the bony plates that cover the back, head, legs, and tail of most of these odd-looking creatures.  The textured pattern on this Navajo silver bracelet resembles the bumpy skin of the exotic desert dwelling animal and runs down the center of the wide cuff. On either side of the textured area, finely rendered lines were filed. The artist then decorated the ends of the cuff with more circular stampwork and file lines. All of this was set on a hollow, rounded base. The hollow form allows for a more comfortable fit, while still giving the impression of substantial weight.

In the early 1970s Orville Tsinnie (1943-2017) learned to make jewelry from his Hopi brother-in-law. During his career he won numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, an honor award that is only given to the finest American Indian artists. Tsinnie’s work was characterized by superior craftsmanship. He made traditional jewelry but excelled with new designs. All of his work was marked by precision and attention to detail, which resulted in work that was uniquely his own.  He worked out of his studio in Shiprock, New Mexico, and was a yearly participant in Santa Fe’s annual Indian Market.

Orville Tsinnie (1943-2017) signs his work with "Orville Tsinnie, New Mexico" along with two stamps of Shiprock.This bracelet illustrates his talent, both in creative innovation and skill as a silversmith. The bracelet is signed with “Orville Tsinnie, New Mexico” along with two stamps of Shiprock.


Condition: The Navajo Domed Silver Bracelet with Stamped Armadillo Design by Orville Tsinnie is in excellent condition.

Provenance: From a member of the Maisel family, long-time merchants of Albuquerque. Adobe Gallery has just learned that after 42 years of business, the owner of Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry & Crafts is retiring and closing his iconic store on Central in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque.

Recommended Reading: Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry by Diana Pardue

Relative Links: Southwest Indian JewelryDiné - Navajo NationBraceletsOrville Tsinnie

Armadillo Image Source: Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia.


HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Measure your wrist with a flexible tape measurement or a strip of paper just below the wrist bone, where you would normally wear the bracelet.

Option: If you are using a plain strip of paper, mark your size with a pen or pencil then use a ruler to measure the length. That would be your wrist size.

Tip: Do you want a snug or loose fit? Well, that really will vary between everyone. If you are buying a delicate bracelet, we suggest doing a snug fit. Most other bracelets should have a comfort fit except when buying large or thick cuffs or bangles. It's best to buy large bracelets with a loose fit so you don't feel like you are suffocating your wrist, or it will be worn over clothing.

 

 

Fitting Style Add inch(es) to wrist size
Snug Fit Add 1/4" to 1/2"
Comfort Fit Add 3/4" to 1"
Loose Fit Add 1 1/4"
Orville Tsinnie, Diné Jeweler
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Sterling Silver
  • Size: 5” End to End;
    1-¼” Opening; 1-⅞” Wide
  • Item # C4220D
  • SOLD

C4220D-bracelet.jpgC4220D-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.