Bracelet c. 1935

Curator: What strikes me first is the bold, geometric form. It's deceptively simple, isn't it? That striking triangle. Editor: Yes! And such a compelling teal colour in the centre - it immediately evokes for me dense forests and rushing water. I am getting such deep natural vibes. Curator: Exactly. The craftsmanship is also quite interesting. What we have here is a bracelet crafted around 1935 by a Navajo artist. You can view this work at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its constructed mainly of silver and this magnificent teal jewel at the very centre. Editor: The silver work enhances that raw natural power too. It looks almost like stylized lightning bolts branching off the gemstone, I feel, hinting at both protection and the vitality it holds. Do you agree? Curator: In a way, yes. I see more of a symbolic encapsulation – silver being a hugely important economic driver in the Southwest during this period, but controlled and dictated by external authorities. This bracelet, like many similar pieces, subtly asserts self-determination and artistic sovereignty through indigenous forms and designs, thus negotiating its cultural position during the colonial era. Editor: A perfect intersection of natural spirit and resistant strength, then. One can’t separate the aesthetic from its time, and these materials act almost like historical anchors. Curator: Precisely. The social climate of that era adds depth. One needs to think about the artist making choices, exercising agency, through the materials and symbols at their disposal during a turbulent time in American history. Editor: That makes the piece even more engaging! To contemplate how a cultural movement informs such an object - giving it layered depth and making the viewing experience transcend just appreciating aesthetic. It truly highlights cultural continuity and power within the Diné artistry, wouldn’t you agree? Curator: Absolutely. It's a testament to the enduring power of cultural expression in the face of societal pressures. I’m intrigued how material conditions and personal agency coalesced into creating lasting beauty and conveying potent social meaning. Editor: Agreed! A powerful little encapsulation of identity, place and history.