Navajo Sterling Silver Bracelet with Traditional Hand Stampwork [SOLD]

The inventive hand stampwork on this Navajo silver bracelet is both traditional and elegantly modern. Creative Diné stampwork is the focal point of this medium-gauge silver bracelet. Using only three hand stamp tools, an unknown Diné silversmith skillfully fashioned a pleasing pattern of scalloped designs and crescents. The bracelet, while made from the mid- to late-20th century, resembles in style work from an earlier period when Diné artists used inventive stampwork to create items of adornment.

Exactly when the Diné began working with silver is unknown. It is generally believed Atsidi Sani, or "Old Smith" (c.1828–1918), may have been the first Diné blacksmith and is credited as being the first Diné silversmith who learned to work silver from a Mexican smith as early as 1853. Early Diné silverwork is distinguished by simple filework for decoration. Eventually artists began employing stampwork and the addition of gemstones.  This Navajo sterling silver bracelet is unsigned.

Condition: The Navajo Sterling Silver Bracelet with Traditional Hand Stampwork is in excellent condition

Provenance: from a Colorado Southwest Indian Jewelry collection

Recommended Reading: The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair

Relative Links: Bracelets, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Diné of the Navajo Nation