Creation Date

1931 – 1955

Description

"This 2 1/2 inch oval pin is made of silver and seems to represent the sun, for in the center there is a small, solid silver sphere. From this ball closely spaced lines emanate, as though they were rays from the sun. This pin was made by the great Navajo silversmith, Ambrose Roanhorse."

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.