Sterling Silver Double Candle Holder [SOLD]

It is uncertain when Navajo silversmiths began making candle holders but it is quite likely that it was in the early 20^th century at the suggestion of traders who were constantly looking for items to sell to local residents as well as tourists.

Merchants like the Maisel Company in Albuquerque had smiths working on-site to whom they furnished materials and the smiths furnished the labor.  Such companies were likely an inspiration for new and unusual items.  The Fred Harvey Company was another source of inspiration for smiths.

Mexican tinwork is quite likely an inspiration for the shapes used by silversmiths for candleholders.  There were many imported and locally-made tin candleholders by Mexican and resident artisans in Santa Fe and Albuquerque so it would have been easy for a Navajo smith to be inspired to make in silver what the Mexican smiths were making in tin.

This dual candleholder was made from sheet silver and is stamped Sterling.  The domed pedestal is beautifully stamped in what may be defined as feathers of a style seen on Tewa black-on-black pottery by Julian Martinez.  The silver bar on which the candle holders are mounted is stamped with traditional Navajo jewelry stamp designs.  The candleholders are shaped with arched tops and stamped with traditional designs.

Condition: very good condition.

Provenance: from a gentleman from Colorado

Recommended Reading: Indian Silver—Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers by Margery Bedinger