الأحد، 10 فبراير 2013

An Exploration Of Navajo Jewelry

By Ashlee Zilnicki


Artisans who craft Navajo jewelry follow a venerable tradition. They create adornments such as rings, pins, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Also, wampum (a sacred shell bead), the labret (for a lip piercing), and the ketoh (an arm guard) are traditionally crafted by native artisans.

American Indian artifacts are varied. They include carvings, pottery, baskets, bows and arrows, head-dresses, arrowheads, and cradle-boards. The items were crafted from the raw materials which were found in local environments. Leather, feathers, beads, turquoise, bone, and native grasses were often used by tribal artisans.

Native American lapideries utilized a variety of tools in creating their art, including wooden drills with cactus spines, antler tools, and stone. Sand was used for smoothing, fiber cords for stringing, and stone for abrading (the process of wearing down by rubbing). Among the raw materials which are readily available to these crafters are abalone, spiny oyster, steatite, freshwater clam shells, turquoise, red shale, jet, and argillite.

Fetish necklaces are common elements of Zuni jewelry. They are crafted from small carvings which represent animals and icons which hold significant cultural relevance. Contemporary designs have become rather varied. They may include carvings of birds, bears, horses, squirrels, foxes, armadillos, frogs, turtles, and maize.

Navajo jewelry is characterized by silver, turquoise, coral, colorful beads, and opals. Silversmithing was introduced to the tribe during the mid-1800s. Those who learned the craft were highly respected. Among the earliest items manufactured from silver were clasps, buttons, and buckles for garments. Later, horse bridles and conchas became popular. Bridles tend to be very ornamental, and require great skill to craft. Conchas are ornate discs of metal which are commonly used to decorate belts and saddles.

The combination of coral and turquoise is very traditional. The gemstones are frequently paired with tendrils and leaves, which signify life. Four design elements are often incorporated into the jewelry. They symbolize the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west.

An impressive variety of Navajo jewelry continues to be crafted today. For men, pocket knives, shoestring ties, money clips, watches, bracelets, and rings are available. The shoestring tie is also referred to as a bolo tie. Especially for women are a wide range of items. They include earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets which reflect various elements of design. Among them are horses, crosses, buffalo, butterflies, and dragonflies. Among the materials used are beads, feathers, lapis, copper, silver, malachite, and turquoise.




About the Author:



ليست هناك تعليقات:

إرسال تعليق

share this