Collar points c. 1940

These collar points were crafted by a Navajo artist from silver and turquoise. The Navajo, or Diné, people, located in the Southwestern United States, have a rich history of silversmithing. The Diné artistic practices reflect the adaptation of European metalworking techniques. During the 19th century, the Navajo learned these skills and combined them with their own aesthetic sensibilities to create jewelry and other decorative items. The turquoise gemstone is particularly significant, holding spiritual meaning and symbolizing protection and well-being. The use of silver and turquoise was not only aesthetically pleasing but also served as a form of cultural expression, preserving identity through a blend of indigenous heritage and introduced materials. Historians study objects like these collar points, using archival research, oral histories, and material analysis to uncover the complex web of social, cultural, and economic forces that shaped their creation.