Diné (Navajo) Sterling Silver and Turquoise Butterfly Pin [SOLD]

Starting as early as the 1920s, the tourist industry in the American Southwest was booming and the art of the Native American was in high demand. Traders encouraged Navajo jewelers to experiment with new ideas that would appeal to the tourists. They used images like eagles and arrows that travelers associated with Indian culture as well as bird and animal figures that reflected their appreciation of the natural world.

The butterfly was a very popular image made for the tourists during this time. This little butterfly is of later manufacture than the 1920s; however it follows the Navajo esthetic of crafting beautiful items for sale to tourists.

The butterfly is comprised of stamped and soldered silver in the shape of a butterfly. A beautiful oblong turquoise cab is centered on the body. Long pieces of silver complete the effect as curved antennae. It is a very charming piece.