Navajo Sterling Silver Set of Seven Iced Tea Spoons [SOLD]

This set of seven elegantly crafted iced tea spoons features elaborate stampwork characteristic of the 1930s and 1940s workmanship of Diné artists of the Navajo Nation.  New shapes and forms in silverwork began to appear in the American Southwest in the early twentieth century. Striving to appeal to a brand new market, innovative silversmiths came up with unique items to sell as souvenirs to the adventurous travelers. One of the most popular items with the tourists coming to the area was silverware, especially spoons.

Beginning at the base of the handle the artist stamped a group of crescent-shaped designs creating a lace-like image. As the handle progresses towards the bowl of the spoon there is an image of an arrow stamped into the silver. The spoon has additional stampwork where the neck meets the bowl. The end of each spoon curves upward just so slightly.

There are seven spoons in this set, each one stamped in a similar manner, yet each one with small variations. There is an arrow hallmark on the back of the spoon, where the neck meets the shoulder.  We have not identified a silversmith for the arrow hallmark.

Condition: The Sterling Silver Set of Seven Iced Tea Spoons are in very good condition.

Provenance: From the extensive collection of a Colorado resident

Recommended Reading: Navajo Spoons: Indian Artistry and the Souvenir Trade by Cindra Kline

Relative Links: Navajo Nation, Silverware - Flatware