Creation Date

1931 – 1955

Description

"A 2 inch , narrow, oblong pin, made from silver and set with turquoises. The silver is worked into two loops at either end of the brooch. In the center is a large turquoise stone, and on each side of this are three turquoises, graduating from medium to very small. the stones are perfectly matched in color and veining. This was a prize-wining pin made by Ambrose Roanhorse, a great Navajo silversmith."

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 a bit of a departure in that there are 7 stones, bit it is still a simple, clean design.