Navajo Sterling Silver Old Style Repossé Silver Cuff by Diné Silversmith [SOLD]

Precise stampwork combined with symmetrical repossé designs on this late 20th century bracelet are reminiscent of Diné bracelets from the late 19th century. Two raised curved elements, outlined with a section of small stamps, make up the design components.  On either side of the bracelet are repossé diamond shapes. The wide band on which the unknown artist placed these designs is scalloped on the edges.

In Margery Bedinger’s book Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers she writes, “Bracelets, perhaps the most fascinating creations conceived by Navajo silversmiths, are certainly the most numerous and the most varied. In them the native genius for design finds full scope. White collectors will often specialize in them and Navajos themselves favor bracelets above all…..The Ethnological Dictionary lists no fewer than seventeen Navajo words and phrases used to designate different types of bracelets.”

Repossé as a design technique in Diné jewelry has been used since the late 19th century. Where the technique originated is not really known, although there are similarities to Mexican leatherwork methods. In order to form patterns, the silver is hammered from beneath. This, with the addition of stampwork, combines to create pleasing ornamentation. This bracelet reflects more than one hundred years of traditional Diné silversmithing work. It dates from the middle of the 20th century and is unsigned.

Condition: The Navajo Sterling Silver Old Style Repossé Silver Cuff by Diné Silversmith is in very good condition.

Provenance: From a member of the Maisel family from Albuquerque

Recommended Reading:

- Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers by Margery Bedinger  

- A Brief History of Navajo Silversmithing by Arthur Woodward

Relative Links: Navajo Nation, Jewelry