Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bracelet with Button and Repoussé [R]

The unknown artist who created this Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bracelet with Button and Repoussé innovatively added a button to where a stone usually would be placed. Perhaps he wanted to repurpose a single button, or perhaps he had no more larger stones. Whatever the reason, this button bracelet is unique. The sides feature all the characteristics of Fred Harvey style jewelry; geometric stamping in addition to repoussé diamonds. It is the button which makes it exceptional. I like to think it is an early example of Native American repurposing.  

The band is cast silver with two repoussé elements on the widest part of the band. The triangular designs flanking the repoussé were formed in an overlay technique. There are additional stamped designs on the sides. The button placed on top of the bracelet is an old one with a dark green turquoise cab in its center. The turquoise cab has a crack in the center.

The Fred Harvey Company had anthropologists on its staff to consult with Native American artists to design quality souvenirs and provide tourists with an “Authentic Southwest Experience.”  Perhaps this artisan expressed his individuality in the creation of this bracelet.

Condition: very good condition, with crack in turquoise

Provenance: this Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bracelet with Button and Repoussé is from the collection of a family from Santa Fe

Recommended Reading:  DREAM TRACKS—The Railroad and the American Indian 1890-1930 by T. C. McLuhan