TAHE Twisted Wire Bracelet

The Diné Elegance: A Sterling Silver Bracelet from the Navajo Nation

This bracelet, a creation of the Diné of the Navajo Nation, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and understatement. It features three twisted, coiled wires running along its length, embodying a minimalist yet captivating design. Crafted with sterling silver, the wires are nestled between two smooth bands, lending the piece an air of refined elegance.

The journey of silver in the hands of jewelry artists is fascinating. In the early days, smiths would melt silver coins, transforming them into stunning pieces of jewelry. In contemporary times, artists typically procure sheet silver and various pre-formed wires from supply houses. Leftover scraps present another opportunity; artists can either sell them back to the supply house or melt them down into ingot pieces, ready to be reborn in new creations. This cycle of transformation is a testament to the enduring allure of silver and the timeless artistry of jewelry making.

The bracelet is signed Sterling, TAHE underneath. It is unknown exactly who made this piece, as "TAHE" has been associated with many different jewelers. It is likely that it is a group of Diné people who associate with one another and work together.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this TAHE Twisted Wire Bracelet is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, 1944

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo