Traditional Native Art

Silversmithing 

Silversmithing was introduced to the Navajo people in the early 19th century by a Mexican silversmith who taught the craft to Atsidi Sandi. In the mid-19th century, another Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Chon, had also mastered the art and introduced it to his friend Lanyade of the Zuni Pueblo. Prior to this time at the Zuni Pueblo, copper and brass were the only metals crafted. Chon introduced the technique of stamping with designs based on Mexican leather craft. The cross-cultural relationship has made it nearly impossible to distinguish early Navajo and Zuni silver jewelry. By 1910, the whole design of Zuni jewelry was oriented toward cluster and channel work, mosaics, and the display of gems. Today, almost all silver is signed or marked, or the marker is identifiable. It is illegal in New Mexico to sell non-Native American made jewelry as Native American-made and a reputable dealer should be able to provide proof of authenticity in writing.