Bracelet c. 1920s - 1930s

This silver and turquoise bracelet was made by A’shiwi craftspeople, also known as Zuni people. It's a real beauty, but it's also interesting to think about how making and wearing this piece might construct a different way of experiencing the world. The turquoise stones are arranged in neat rows, each one held in place by a tiny silver setting, almost like pixels. There’s something hypnotic about the repetition, and the subtle variations in the color and shape of each stone. Think about the labor and care that went into setting each of these tiny stones, one by one! I find the contrast between the cool, hard metal and the bright, almost electric blue of the turquoise so compelling. Look at the way the light reflects off the surface of the stones, and how the metal seems to absorb the light, creating a subtle glow. It reminds me of the work of Tara Donovan, who uses everyday materials to create these massive, immersive installations. With this bracelet, the Zuni artist has created a small but powerful world of texture and color, a wearable sculpture.