Diné Sterling Silver Rectangular Lidded Box [SOLD]

This sterling silver lidded box is larger than many Diné pill boxes and is rectangular in shape where many are square or nearly square.  The lid is completely removable since there are no hinges. The lid is very slightly domed and has a thin rim of silver on the underside that fits snugly into the box.

The lid was beautifully stamped with traditional Diné jeweler’s stamps.  Triangular-shapes connect and extend along the outer edge of the lid. In the four corners, there are floral elements that flare out from a central circle.  The center design is light and joyful in appearance and relieves the somewhat heaviness of the silver, resulting in a more elegant result.

Interestingly, there is a small turquoise chip embedded into two of the outer triangles.  The only explanation we can offer is that perhaps a small turquoise remnant was attached to the metal stamp and got stamped into the design.

The four side walls of the box feature stamped designs of the same style as those on the lid.

Condition: this Diné Sterling Silver Rectangular Lidded Box is in original condition

Provenance: from a Washington, DC collection

Recommended Reading: Beesh Ligaii In Balance: The Besser Collection Of Navajo And Pueblo Silverwork by John Torres-Nez

Relative Links: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry: Silver Objects