At least three and possibly four of the decorative stamps used appear in Steven Curtis' book, Navajo Silversmith Fred Peshlakai, His Life and Art.
Sterling silver ingot was hand-mill rolled to provide sheet of various gauge for the cuff and the centerpiece ornamental setting. These were fabricated with solder after ornamentation using hand-carved stamps and a hardened file. Square, drawn wire twist and "raindrops" of smelted silver add to the depth of decoration around an intricate and perfectly scalloped setting, the best of which holds an elongated oval turquoise cabochon of deepest intese blue color.
Description | At least three and possibly four of the decorative stamps used appear in Steven Curtis' book, Navajo Silversmith Fred Peshlakai, His Life and Art. Sterling silver ingot was hand-mill rolled to provide sheet of various gauge for the cuff and the centerpiece ornamental setting. These were fabricated with solder after ornamentation using hand-carved stamps and a hardened file. Square, drawn wire twist and "raindrops" of smelted silver add to the depth of decoration around an intricate and perfectly scalloped setting, the best of which holds an elongated oval turquoise cabochon of deepest intese blue color. |
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About the Artist | (1896-1974) Navajo silversmith known as either son or the nephew of Slender Maker of Silver, he served an apprenticeship with him. Later Fred taught jewelry at the Fort Wingate School. One of his best known students was Kenneth Begay, a man who became known as the "father of contemporary Navajo jewelry". Fred Peshlakai was legend. Several examples of his jewelry are featured in Gregory Schaaf's book American Indian Jewelry III: M-Z 2,100 Artist Biographies. |
Culture | American Indian, Navajo |
Medium | Sterling silver ingot |
Troy ounces | 1.59 troy ounces |
Size | Center width is 1 3/8". Stone measures 1" length X 7/16" width. Shank width at rain drops is 7/8" tapering to 1/2" at terminals. Inside measurement is 5 7/18" from end to end with a 3/4" gap. Comfortable for a 6" wrist. |
Signed | No mark of any kind |
Date of creation | 1930's |
Turquoise | Natural turquoise with brown and black matrix. Its surface valley and texture are not flattened by its subtle satin finish. |
Provenance | ML |
Gram weight | 49.3 grams |