subject: Vintage Pins By The Navajo And Zuni Tribes Of America [print this page] Art is indefinableArt is indefinable. One of the most popular forms of art is two-dimensional drawings, paintings and other pictures hung on walls as decoration, to show off, or to store away from everyone except the owner to view. Another form of art is something that is not two-dimensional and can actually decorate the owner in or out of the house. This form of art is jewellery. Forget about mainstream rings and the odd diamond that is only admired for its size and shine. Art in jewellery can take several forms. One such form that is popular is that of the Native Americans. Tribes such as the Navajo and Zuni are/were experts in creating beautiful designs with silver, turquoise, coral mother of pearl and other materials. Their work can be anything from thick bracelets to dangly necklaces and vintage pins. Their methods vary from hammering silver into shape to melting down coins. Channel inlay techniques produce unique and elegant patterns. In all, the traditional jewellery from these people is both vintage and ageless. Although populations of Native Americans are becoming ever smaller and diluted with other societies, there is still a strong following of both the jewellery makers and those who buy and wear the pieces.
Some of the best and most popular jewellers are sadly no longer with us, but names like Teddy Weahkee and Frank Vacit will never be forgotten by some. Their mosaic jewellery with inlays and the use of spiny oyster shows the ideas and designs from the 1930-40's even if they weren't both working then. Other master jewellery artists who are experts in this field are the likes of Leo Poblano and Lambert Homer.
Not just anyone can become a Native American artist of jewellery. Although it is not written in stone that one must have ancestors from a tribe to make Navajo Pins, it certainly helps. In addition, a skill like this cannot just be picked up. Even exhaustive training needs a base of natural talent, knowledge of the processes and materials, and enthusiasm to continue to create works at the highest level of quality as well as creating new ideas and designs within the traditional ways of Native Americans.
Although this kind of personal decoration may not be to everyone's taste, there is a great following for traditional works from the original people of the USA. The materials are easily recognized yet the designs and size of pieces do not need to be extravagant.
