Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

Famous Navajo Hallmarks

The Navajo people form the largest American Indian tribe and have made substantial contributions to art, language, culture and philosophy. Since the American Indian Movement that began in the late 1960s, there has been an increased interest in Navajo culture, particularly Navajo crafts. There are several hallmarks of Navajo Indian art that are frequently used by collectors and enthusiasts to determine the jewelry's origins and authenticity.

Sandpaintings
- Sandpaintings have been an important part of Navajo religious rituals for centuries and are occasionally sold as art and displayed in museums. They frequently depict important parts of Navajo culture, religious ceremonies and mythology. Traditionally, sandpaintings were made on the ground prior to a religious ritual and then destroyed. The religious significance of these pieces, however, causes some Navajo to be reluctant to sell them. Other have slightly altered the religious symbolism in the paintings in order to produce marketable art while still honoring their religious history and heritage.
Squash Blossom
- The squash blossom necklace is a hallmark variety of Navajo jewelry. These large, intricate necklaces are typically made of silver with accents made of beads, turquoise and other stones. The centerpiece of the necklace is a crescent-shaped pendant that resembles a squash blossom. Navajo songs are often based around patterns of repetition with slight variations, and squash blossom necklaces are physical embodiments of this cultural trait.
Metal Stamps
- Navajo indians are commonly silversmiths who make intricate silver jewelry. Individual artists may stamp the backs of their jewelry with initials, symbols and other markings. Some jewelers may provide two or more stamps that indicate their individual identity, their tribal identity, information about their parents and other information of cultural or personal significance. Many collectors of Navajo jewelry become experts in the stamps of individual artists.
Weaving
- Weaving is an important part of traditional Navajo culture. Many traditionalist Navajo people weave on upright looms and create beautiful, brightly-colored blankets. Some artisans weave smaller pieces and incorporate them into jewelry. The recent interest in American Indian culture has resulted in much mass-produced weaved art, but the Navajo are the point of origination for weaving as a significant portion of American Indian culture.

Other Collecting