NATIVE TRIBES INCLUDE:
The Navajo have the largest reservation in the US running thru Northern Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, along with the largest population of 330,000. The Navajo came into contact with Spanish explorers in early 1600s. At this time the Navajo saw for the first time horses, goats, and sheep along with metal. In the mid-1800s a Navajo named Atsidi Sani was taught the art of silversmithing by a Spanish silversmith. The Navajo are the largest producers of fine jewelry with turquoise. Turquoise represents father of sky, is a good luck and a healing stone.
The Santa Domingo as know as Kewa tribe is located at the Kewa Pueblo 25 miles south from Santa Fe, NM. Santo Domingo Pueblo have been making tradition jewelry the longest of all pueblos, using same techniques and materials as their ancestors. They’re well known for the richest traditions in the making of pottery, turquoise inlays and, heishi necklaces. The word heishi stands for “Shell Bead”, it’s a strand of beads made of shells, turquoise, and other stones which are hand grounded and polished. Every year they hold the largest indian dance ceremony, attracting thousands of people from around the world, where indian potters and silversmiths display their wares for sale.
The Zuni tribe is located in a small pueblo South of Gallup, New Mexico. The are very detailed and spiritual people, wearing bright colors and tell stories through their art work. They are known for making fetishes, pottery, and jewelry such as the artistry of silver needlepoint, and mosaic inlay pins, bolo ties, bracelets, and other ornaments. These artisans beautiful ideas come from using the animal kingdom for inspiration, including horses, cows, insects, and wild animals of all shapes and sizes, even humans.
Home to the Hopi people is 12 Mesa Villages, in Northeastern Arizona. The Hopi’s started practicing the art of silversmithing by 1890’s, after the Navajo Tribe. They began the silver overlay style in the early 40’s, this overlay process, consist of a thin sheet of silver with a fine design cut out is placed over a solid piece of silver sheet.