A beautiful example of Navajo silver overlay artistry, this striking Water Bird piece is strongly attributed to Navajo silversmith Willie Yazzie. Featuring a gracefully stylized bird with sweeping wings, intricate feather detailing, and geometric accents, this substantial circular piece showcases the beauty of traditional Southwestern silverwork.
The design is beautifully executed using the overlay technique, with smooth silver surfaces contrasting against deeply recessed, oxidized areas. The dramatic contrast creates wonderful depth and dimension, highlighting the flowing lines of the bird and the carefully balanced composition.
The Water Bird is a meaningful motif in Southwestern Native American art, often associated with water, rain, renewal, and the life-sustaining forces of nature. Its elegant form has been interpreted by generations of Native artists.
The silver displays a lovely, naturally aged patina that adds warmth and character. The reverse bears a trader's code, an interesting detail that may offer clues to the piece's trading history.
Measuring 2 inches in diameter and weighing 29 grams, this is a substantial and visually captivating example of Navajo silverwork. While the craftsmanship and design support an attribution to Willie Yazzie, the maker has not been definitively authenticated.
Details:
Artist: Attributed to Willie Yazzie
Tribe: Navajo (Diné)
Metal: Silver
Technique: Traditional Overlay
Design: Water Bird
Diameter: 2"
Weight: 29 grams
Reverse: Trader's Code
Condition: Beautiful Aged Patina
A wonderful example of Navajo overlay artistry, combining traditional Water Bird imagery, beautifully detailed silverwork, and timeless Southwestern character.
A beautiful example of Navajo silver overlay artistry, this striking Water Bird piece is strongly attributed to Navajo silversmith Willie Yazzie. Featuring a gracefully stylized bird with sweeping wings, intricate feather detailing, and geometric accents, this substantial circular piece showcases the beauty of traditional Southwestern silverwork.
The design is beautifully executed using the overlay technique, with smooth silver surfaces contrasting against deeply recessed, oxidized areas. The dramatic contrast creates wonderful depth and dimension, highlighting the flowing lines of the bird and the carefully balanced composition.
The Water Bird is a meaningful motif in Southwestern Native American art, often associated with water, rain, renewal, and the life-sustaining forces of nature. Its elegant form has been interpreted by generations of Native artists.
The silver displays a lovely, naturally aged patina that adds warmth and character. The reverse bears a trader's code, an interesting detail that may offer clues to the piece's trading history.
Measuring 2 inches in diameter and weighing 29 grams, this is a substantial and visually captivating example of Navajo silverwork. While the craftsmanship and design support an attribution to Willie Yazzie, the maker has not been definitively authenticated.
Details:
Artist: Attributed to Willie Yazzie
Tribe: Navajo (Diné)
Metal: Silver
Technique: Traditional Overlay
Design: Water Bird
Diameter: 2"
Weight: 29 grams
Reverse: Trader's Code
Condition: Beautiful Aged Patina
A wonderful example of Navajo overlay artistry, combining traditional Water Bird imagery, beautifully detailed silverwork, and timeless Southwestern character.
