Silver Navajo Spoon with Stamped Handle [SOLD]

Navajo silver spoons were hand forged from Mexican silver coins or American silver coins. Mexican coins were favored because the silver content was higher than comparable American coins. The coins were hammered into thin sheets and then shaped into the desired form for a spoon.  Once the hammering and forging were complete, the spoon was then stamped with the desired designs.

This spoon has a long and graceful handle, extremely thin at the bowl and gradually widening at the other end on which a series of stamps were used to decorate it to the maker's delight.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: 

- Rainbow Man, Santa Fe

- Private collection of a Virginia family

Recommended Reading; Navajo Spoons: Indian Artistry and the Souvenir Trade, 1880s - 1940s by Cindra Kline