Navajo Silver Dangle Earrings [SOLD]

In 1950 Virginia and John Bonnell moved their art gallery, White Hogan, from northern Arizona to Scottsdale, Arizona. There, talented Navajo silversmiths developed a style that could be labeled as “Navajo Modernism.” Among the best known of these artists were Kenneth Begay and Allen Kee. Influenced by Danish modernism, they blended traditional Navajo designs with clean, modern lines creating a distinctive look that continues to influence Navajo jewelers today.

One of the silversmiths who worked at White Hogan in the 1960s was LeRoy Thomas.

Thomas was born in Bitter Springs, Arizona. He began working as a smith at White Hogan and continued to work in the style for which the gallery was known.

These sterling silver earrings exemplify the style that became popular at White Hogan. The top buttons are made in the traditional Navajo style that goes back to the late 19th Century. From the traditional buttons, the artist added sleek modern looking dangles with grill lines.

The earrings are stamped in joined misaligned initials LT.

In 1948, Maria Martinez’s son, Popovi Da opened the Popovi Da Studio of Indian Arts at San Ildefonso Pueblo. He and his wife, Anita, ran the studio for decades. They featured and sold only the highest quality artwork. These earrings are part of the inventory that was eventually passed down to Popovi’s and Anita’s granddaughter. It is not surprising that such beautifully made earrings would have been part of the inventory of Popovi and Anita's gallery.

Condition: the Navajo Silver Dangle Earrings are in excellent condition

Provenance: From the inventory of Popovi Da Studio of Indian Art, passed down to Popovi’s granddaughter.

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment from Prehistory to Present by Lois Dubin