Diné Silversmith of the Navajo Nation at Work

This captivating painting by Andrew Van Tsihnahjinnie (1918-2000) captures a fellow Diné artist deeply focused on his craft, hammering a silver bar into a piece of jewelry. The scene is rich with detail: a container of hot coals with rising steam sits to the artist's left, while a bellows rests in front of him, ready to intensify the fire.

The silversmith is depicted wearing impressive pieces, likely his own creations, including a Ketoh (bow guard) on his left arm, a beautiful concho belt, and a Squash Blossom necklace. Although dressed formally, his concentration is entirely on shaping the silver to his liking. The man is enveloped by a colorful rainbow arc-a traditional Diné sign of protection often employed by artists like Tsihnahjinnie's contemporary, Harrison Begay.

This striking piece, which is signed in the lower left, is an elegant example of Tsihnahjinnie's versatile style. It is presented in an elegant brown wooden frame with a raised gold inner edge.

Andrew Van Tsihnahjinnie, born near Chinle, Arizona (Rough Rock) in November 1916, had been nurturing his artistic talent since childhood. His educational journey led him from the Indian School at Fort Apache to the Santa Fe Indian School, where he became a student of Dorothy Dunn. Known for his dedication, Tsihnahjinnie often remained in the studio painting until compelled to return to the dormitory. Post-graduation, he served as an illustrator for the Indian Service. Despite a serious illness in 1977 that limited his painting and teaching, Tsihnahjinnie maintained his passion for traditional ways. His upbringing, filled with experiences of herding sheep and riding horses, heavily influenced his artistic themes. Tsihnahjinnie, husband to Minnie McGirt and father to seven children, was the subject of a video by Kathy Flynn, Executive Director of the National New Deal Preservation Association and the New Mexico Chapter of the NNDPA, filmed on October 9th, 2000, shortly before his passing.

Condition: Minor flaking of paint in two areas-just to the left of the naja of the squash blossom, and just to the left of the ketoh.

Provenance: this original painting of a Diné Silversmith of the Navajo Nation at Work is from the collection of a resident of Colorado

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art, Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS: Navajo, Apache, Santa Fe, Dorothy Dunn, painting, Andrew Van Tsihnahjinnie