Sterling Silver and Turquoise Lidded Pill Box [SOLD]

Silversmithing among the Navajo began sometime in the mid-1800s, possibly during the time of their internment at Bosque Redondo in southern New Mexico. The early days of silversmithing consisted of jewelry items such as bracelets, necklaces and earrings, and the source of silver was most often Mexican silver coins.

By the beginning of the 20th century, ingot silver and then sheet silver became the source of raw materials, and the demands of the buying public became the inspiration for ideas. In addition to making jewelry, the Navajo expanded into more elaborate items such as horse bridles and ketohs (arm bands for bow hunting). Eventually, they ventured into making flatware, dishes, serving wares, and such things as silver boxes and desk sets.

This small box is constructed from sheet silver stock and has a beveled lid on which are a series of traditional stamping and it is hinged to the box with two handmade silver wire hinges.  Small boxes of this sort were made for sale and found use as medicine boxes.  It is not signed with the name of the maker.  There is a single turquoise cab mounted on the lid.

Condition: Very good condition.

Provenance: from a gentleman from Colorado

Recommended Reading:  Masterworks and Eccentricities: The Druckman Collection; Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry and Metalwork 1880-1950 by Robert Bauver