Navajo Storyteller Band
Jewelry, wearable art, sterling silver ring band • Navajo (Diné) artisan; possibly in the style of or by an artist such as Calvin Begay or similar Southwest silver studios.
Style & Movement
Native American Southwest / Navajo Contemporary
Medium & Technique
Sterling silver with turquoise inlay; created using the 'overlay' technique involving two layers of silver where the top layer is hand-sawn with a design and the bottom layer is oxidized (blackened) for contrast.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12mm to 15mm in width; wide cigar-band format.
Subject Description
A 'Storyteller' scene depicting a traditional Navajo landscape. The design features a hogan (traditional dwelling), mesas, desert flora (likely yucca or cactus), and a turquoise 'moon' or 'sun' set in a bezel. The iconography represents the connection between the land and Diné heritage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; shows signs of light wear and natural patina which is expected for vintage silver jewelry.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a Southwest art gallery or a regional trading post. No visible hallmark is shown in the image, but would typically be found on the interior shank.
Art Historical Significance
The storyteller motif is a staple of 20th-century Native American jewelry, transitioning from the pictorial styles of the mid-century to the more refined overlay techniques popularized by Hopi and Navajo smiths. It serves as a narrative vehicle for indigenous culture.
Notable Features
The use of a circular turquoise cabochon to represent a celestial body adds a three-dimensional element to the traditional two-dimensional overlay narrative.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches (scuffs) consistent with wear; some tarnish/oxidation in the recessed areas (though much of this is intentional for the design's contrast).
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a soft polishing cloth specifically for silver. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the turquoise stone or strip the intentional oxidation in the design.