History of navajo silversmith

One of the first Native American Indian silversmiths was a Navajo known as Atsidi Sani who learned to form black metal from a Mexican blacksmith living in New Mexico territory in about 1850. Around 1865, Atsidi was introduced to sliversmithing by observing mexican silversmiths. He worked to refine his skills and, thus, Navajo silversmithing began. Atsidi taught his four sons the skills and they, in turn, taught others.

Turquoise, a traditional favorite of the Navajos, began to be combined with silver work in the 1880s. Imported persian turquoise was incorporated into Navajo silver until the local supply of turquoise increased as more mines were opened in America.

Originally, Navajo silversmiths made jewelry for themselves and other Indians. After 1900, Navajo silersmiths began creating Native American Indian jewelry for commercial consumption. The availability of turquoise and silver, together with better working tools, allowed the Navajo silversmiths to supply the growing market among Indian traders and tourists, who were arriving in droves by railroad to visit the southwest. By 1918, Navajo women began working with the metal and creating beautiful jewelry as well.

American coins were the primary source of silver until 1890, when defacing US coins was outlawed. Mexican pesos were substituted until 1930 when their export the the American Southwest was forbidden. Sterling Silver Ingots, which were slightly more pure replaced the coins. In 1930, sterling silver sheets and wire forms became increasingly available from Indian traders. These sheets were, used and remain in use today.

Zuni history

Metal working had a different history among the Zuni. In about 1830, the Zuni learned to work with copper and brass salvaged from old kettles. They did not begin silver crafting until 4 decades later. Around 1872, the Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Chon, who traded frequently with the Zuni for livestock, taught a Zuni blacksmith named Lanyade, the skill of silversmithing. Much of the earliest Zuni silver jewelry was essentially identical to Navajo work.

Early Zuni pieces were plain, hand-wrought silver occasionally decorated with simple die stamping or rocker engraving. Around 1890, they began to incorporate turquoise into their work as had their Navajo neighbors. Until about 1920, the Zuni fashioned work mostly for themselves and other native people. By 1930, the Zuni were creating much of their jewelry for tourism. Within 10 years, jewelry making became their main source of income.

The emphasis on small stone work and inlay turquoise work began to emerge in the 1920s, developing partly from a revival of prehistoric designs. Today, this style of jewelry, needle point, petite point and inlay is most strongly associated with the Zuni jewelry making traditions.