Creation Date

1931 – 1955

Description

"The square blue-green and gray stone in the center of this oblong pin was set into its silver mounting by the Navajo silversmith Ambrose Roanhorse. The mounting itself measures 1 1/2 by 1 1/4 inches and is etched with intricate figures: diamond shapes at the bottom and scallops on either side."

Ambrose Roanhorse taught silversmithing at the Santa Fe Indian School in the 1930s. He was one of the first native artists to depart from traditional designs. Instead, his work is noted for bold lines, simple forms, and minimal stamping. When he used stones, they were generally single high quality stones. This piece is an excellent examples of his bold, simple forms and use of high quality stones.