Bracelet c. 1950s

This lovely bracelet was made by a Navajo artist, using silver, although the exact date of its creation is unknown. Look closely at the way the maker stamped these little semi-circles into the silver. It's as if they're breathing life into the metal. The physical presence of the bracelet really speaks to me: The cool, tactile quality of the metal, its subtle sheen, and the weight of it. Notice how the central design has a sort of corrugated feel to it, with each tiny ridge catching the light differently. It gives the piece a rhythm, a kind of visual heartbeat. The little half-moon shapes create a scalloped effect that runs along the edges, like tiny echoes of the central form. This bracelet reminds me of the work of the sculptor, Ruth Asawa, who used wire to create looping, organic forms. Like her work, this piece celebrates the simple beauty of line and form, highlighting the way a single gesture can create a sense of movement and depth. It's a reminder that art is often about finding new ways to see the world around us, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and embracing the endless possibilities of creative expression.