Necklace 1900 - 1920

Editor: So, this necklace, dated between 1900 and 1920, is made of silver and attributed to the Navajo, or Diné, people. It's currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The geometric pattern and silvery material give it a cool, almost futuristic feel. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This necklace offers a glimpse into the complexities of Native American artistry during a period of immense cultural shift. Its creation, while utilizing traditional techniques and materials like silver, reflects a dialogue between Diné aesthetics and the demands of the market during that time. Editor: So, it was made for trade rather than purely for personal or tribal use? Curator: Potentially, yes. The silversmiths of the period skillfully merged ancestral motifs with forms appealing to non-Native consumers. The Naja, that crescent shape you see, originally Moorish in design, eventually became integrated into Navajo belief and is seen as a protective symbol. What does that blending of traditions mean to you? Editor: It's interesting to think about this object embodying both cultural preservation and economic necessity. Was there a tension there? Curator: Undoubtedly. Understanding this tension allows us to move beyond a purely aesthetic appreciation and acknowledge the power dynamics at play. The Diné artists were navigating colonial pressures while actively asserting their cultural identity. Editor: So, the necklace isn’t just beautiful, it's also a statement of resilience. Curator: Precisely. By examining such works through an intersectional lens, considering gender, class, and ethnicity, we uncover these layers of meaning and power embedded within the object. Editor: I see it in a totally new way now. I’ll never look at jewelry the same! Curator: And hopefully recognize it’s potential as a potent signifier of identity, resistance, and cultural exchange.