Stamped Sterling Silver Diné Ashtray with Single Turquoise Gemstone [SOLD]

The center of this Navajo silver stamped ashtray resembles the shape of the concha of a concha belt with a beautiful blue turquoise gemstone in the center, from which rays expand outward to a circle of stamped full floral designs surrounded by half floral elements.  The four corners of the ashtray repeat the rays emanating from a single silver dot. The four cigarette holders were each filled from end-to-end with stamped floral designs.  

This is one of the finest examples of silver ashtrays with stamped designs that was made for the tourist market before WWII. This souvenir demand is attributed to elegance and fine taste that was seen of tourists riding on the train heading to the West towards new opportunity and adventure. They wanted (and needed) a trinket to remember this experience.

Condition: this Stamped Sterling Silver Diné Ashtray with Single Turquoise Gemstone is in very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Washington, DC

Recommended Reading: Beesh Ligaii In Balance: The Besser Collection Of Navajo And Pueblo Silverwork by John Torres-Nez

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