NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO STERLING SILVER DEER PENDANT BY SONNY GENE

Description

Navajo silversmith Sonny Gene created this marvelous pendant through the overlay technique.  Hopi style  overlay is constructed from two layers of sterling silver.  A design is cut out with a jeweler’s saw by hand.  This top design layer is then silver soldered to another sheet, the bottom layer, of silver.  Texturing is added to the bottom layer in all the open areas of the design using a hammer and a small punch.  The piece is then formed to its final shape and size.  The bottom layer is then oxidized to enhance the design.  (Chain not included)  Weighs 16 grams.  Signed

13/16” wide x 2  7/8” long

Artist card included

The Navajos began working with silver in the 19th century, and began making things like buckles, bridles, buttons, rings, canteens, hollow beads, earrings, crescent-shaped pendants (called “najas”), bracelets, crosses, powder chargers, tobacco canteens, and conchos (for belts).  Their silversmithing skills has evolved and changed throughout the years, and in about 1880 Navajo silversmiths started to set turquoise in their silver work.  Traditionally, Navajo artists worked with jewelry techniques like repousee and stamp work, but today they explored in other Native American jewelry making techniques like Zuni inlay work and Hopi overlay work.

Additional information