Sterling Silver Spoon with Round Turquoise Stone [SOLD]

In her book, Navajo Spoons: Indian Artistry and the Souvenir Trade, Cindra Kline writes about the importance of the tourist trade in the creation of new art forms, specifically flatware, for Native artists. “Navajo silverwork came of age at the moment when railroad travel to the Southwest brought artisans and traders into the American marketplace. The Victorian love of cutlery, and the nation’s obsession with commemorative silver, merged in the intriguing artistry of Navajo spoons. From the 1880’s to World War II, Navajo smiths brought the highest level of skill and invention to functional teaspoons, servers, and sugar shells. At the same time, the spoons were the canvas for ethnic art. An utterly unique artform, these artifacts are now ardently sought by collectors and institutions, as rare mementos of Navajo artistry and the souvenir trade.”

The deep, yet even stampwork on this spoon is an indication that the artisan who created it was quite skilled. The task of impressing deep stamps on silver is not easy and to do it with such precision is even more difficult.

Most probably made for the tourist marketplace of the 1930s and 40s, this well-made spoon has a unique round bowl, a delicate but sturdy thin neck and a well stamped handle with a small round turquoise stone at the base.

Condition: The Sterling Silver Spoon with Round Turquoise Stone is in excellent condition.

Provenance: This silverware spoon is from a gentleman collector in Colorado

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