Large Navajo Stamped Sterling Silver and Turquoise Serving Fork [SOLD]

C4025V-fork2.jpg

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Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Silverware - Flatware
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Turquoise
  • Size: 8-¾” x 2-⅜”
  • Item # C4025V
  • SOLD

Close up view of the turquoise area of the fork.

With the arrival of the AT&SF Railroad to the Southwest in the late 19th century, local artists began to make objects which would appeal to the travelers. Extremely popular were items made from silver that could be used in the home. Ashtrays, boxes, letter openers as well as cutlery were all sought by adventurers as practical items to take back as mementos of their time in Indian Country.

This single serving fork is an excellent example of the type of silverware that has been made by Navajo artists for over one hundred years. The fork has a simple, elegant shape. The handle is adorned with crescent shaped stamps and a fine cabochon of high grade turquoise. The face of the fork is stamped with three ovals. The piece is unsigned.

 

Condition: The Large Navajo Stamped Sterling Silver and Turquoise Serving Fork is in excellent condition

Provenance: From a Santa Fe collection

Recommended Reading:  Navajo Spoons: Indian Artistry and the Souvenir Trade by Cindra Kline  

Relative Links: AT&SF Railroad, silverwareNavajo

Close up view of the tine and root areas of this silver fork.