Set of Four Large Matching Silver and Turquoise Navajo Buttons [SOLD]

These four exceptionally large traditional Diné buttons made of silver are distinguished by their fine craftsmanship and high-grade turquoise centers. An unknown Diné artist hand crafted these buttons by pounding out silver into a corrugated dome and adding a single sky-blue turquoise cabochon in the center of each. A bezel of thin twisted wire surrounds each stone. Copper loops on the back permit sewing buttons in place.

Buttons were some of the first objects Diné silver smiths made for their own use. Navajo buttons were used as adornment on clothing for both men and women, and decoration on moccasins, pouches and bags as well as on the headstalls of horses. These buttons were likely made during the mid- to late-twentieth century. They are unsigned.

Note: when we say Diné, as opposed to Navaho or Navajo, we are referring to the people and not the government.  Since 1969, their government refers to itself as the Navajo Nation.  

Condition: The Set of Four Large Matching Silver and Turquoise Navajo Buttons is in excellent condition 

Provenance: From a New York Collection

Recommended Reading: Wearing the Moon—Navajo and Pueblo Silver Buttons by Gary Brockman

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo Nation, Buttons and Conchas