Image

Silver and turquoise bracelet on a rectangular white base. The bracelet features two rows or ornately patterned silver connected by turquoise stones enveloped by silver crescents. A yellow label reads “67.170”.

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Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)

Bracelet

Description

Maker

Culture

Diné (Navajo), Native North American

Title

Bracelet

Year

before 1967

Medium

silver,
turquoise

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

silver,
turquoise

Dimensions

7.5 x 4.2 x 4.4 cm (2 15/16 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/4 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of Martha B. Lisle

Object Number

67.170

Type

Jewelry

Exhibition History

Being and Believing in the Natural World

Perspectives from the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, and Indigenous North America

Oct 22, 2022 – Jun 04, 2023

Label copy

Skillfully worked jade objects, such as the knife and disc in the case at left, have been found in elite tombs in China. Thousands of years ago, they likely held ceremonial meaning. Vibrant stones like malachite, said to capture the luminosity of the sun and moon, were also treasured in China.

Ancient Greeks loved gold jewelry, often incorporating plant and animal motifs in their designs. They also transformed readily available materials into glass beads for necklaces.

Since ancient times, Indigenous people in what is now the Southwest US have mined turquoise. Diné people believe turquoise provides spiritual protection.

—WC | GB | SB

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)

Bracelet, before 1967

silver; turquoise

7.5 x 4.2 x 4.4 cm (2 15/16 x 1 5/8 x 1 3/4 inches)

Bequest of Martha B. Lisle 67.170

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