Creation Date

1931 – 1955

Description

"A silver box made to hold stamps, 1 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch deep. The lid of the box, hinged and grooved to fit the body, is etched in the form of a sea shell. Two parallel lines are etched around the body of the box. This stamp box, formed by the Navajo silversmith Ambrose Roanhorse, is the only piece in this silver collection that is not part of the Navajo silver tradition, but was introduced from the outside world instead."

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.