Sterling Silver and Turquoise Set of Six Iced Tea Spoons [SOLD]

In her book, Navajo Spoons: Indian Artistry and the Souvenir Trade, Cindra Kline writes, “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.”

This lovely set of six iced tea spoons is indeed a canvas on which an unknown artist created a work of art. The tip of each handle is stamped with a feather-like crescent motif. The rest of the handle of each spoon is a combination of stampwork which accentuates the small round cabochon of Sleeping Beauty turquoise. A  thin line of stampwork goes up the neck of each spoon almost to the shoulder. The bowl is stamped with two elegant crescent-shape feathers. All of the work on these spoons was done with skill and patience. It is a beautiful set, something both elegant and utilitarian at the same time.

Condition: The Sterling Silver and Turquoise Set of Six Iced Tea Spoons are in excellent condition.

Provenance: The spoons come from a Southwest Indian Jewelry - Silverware collection in Colorado

Recommended Reading:

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

Inventing the Southwest: The Fred Harvey Company and Native American Art by Diana Pardue and Kathleen Howard