Navajo Silver Bracelet with Five Oval Hubble Beads [R]

John Lorenzo Hubbell was one of the most colorful, interesting individuals who played a part in the development of marketing Southwestern Native American art. Hubble was born in Northern New Mexico, the son of a Connecticut soldier who stayed in New Mexico after the Mexican-American War and an Hispanic mother whose family had roots on the Pajarito Plateau dating back to the 1700s. He had multiple careers before settling in 1878 in Eastern Arizona and setting up one of many trading posts he would own during his career. He became sheriff of Apache County and served in the Arizona state legislature.  Hubbell was considered one of the more honest traders in his dealings with the Natives and influenced the styles of both weaving and jewelry. He would supply the materials and choose the best artists to make the products.

Glass beads from Eastern Europe, especially Czechoslovakia, were prized by Native Americans since early contact. The last known beads known to be made for Native Americans were the Hubbell Beads. They were made in Czechoslovakia from 1915-1920. It is not known if Hubbell had ordered them specifically for use at his posts, or if the beads were something he came across and realized it could be a more profitable substitute for natural turquoise. Either way the turquoise-colored glass beads became known as Hubbell Beads.

Initially less expensive than natural turquoise, Navajo jewelry made with Hubbell Beads was mostly produced from the 1920s to the 1940s. Today, finding pieces with the turquoise substitute is relatively rare. This lovely old bracelet contains five oval cabs of Hubbell Beads set in handmade bezels. They are separated by silver drops. The sides are hand stamped. Along one of the bezels, there seems to be an extra drop of silver, perhaps a native repair of the bezel. The bracelet shows signs of extensive wear, giving it a lovely feel.

Condition: The Navajo Silver Bracelet with Five Oval Hubble Beads is in good condition

Provenance: From a Colorado collector

Recommended Reading: Hubbell Trading Post: Trade, Tourism and the Navajo Southwest by Erica Cotton