Tufa Cast Sterling Silver and Turquoise Letter Opener [SOLD]
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- Category: Silver Objects
- Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
- Medium: sterling silver, turquoise
- Size: 4-5/8” x 1-5/8”
- Item # 25867 SOLD
Navajo silversmiths crafted jewelry and other silver objects to appeal to the tastes of the traveling adventurer. A popular non-jewelry item was the letter opener.
There are various methods of producing silver objects. One method is sand casting or, more properly, tufa casting. A mold was made out of tufa and molten silver was then poured into the mold. After the silver cooled, the piece was taken out and polished. Finally, finishing touches, such as the addition of stones and stamp work, were added.
Two bright blue turquoise stones were added to this sandcast "leaping deer" letter opener. Stamp work was used to decorate the body of the deer and the letter opener shaft. It is an excellent example of a souvenir purchased to bring back memories of an exotic Southwest adventure.
Condition: very good condition except the tip of the long shaft is slightly bent.
Recommended Reading: FINE INDIAN JEWELRY OF THE SOUTHWEST: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection by Shelby Tisdale, Ph.D.
Provenance: from a longtime Santa Fe resident
- Category: Silver Objects
- Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
- Medium: sterling silver, turquoise
- Size: 4-5/8” x 1-5/8”
- Item # 25867 SOLD
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