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Western Silver from the Southwest

It is of record that Francisco Vazquez de Coronado as well as Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, (Spanish Conquistadors), made it to what is now known as Southwestern United States (Arizona and New Mexico) by 1542 in quest of Silver and Gold which makes us believe the Native Americans became aware of these precious metals at that period. We do know the Conquistadors followed after and certainly by the mid 1700's with Silver regalia on their horses. We also know that the Navajo traded with the Conquistadors for fancy horse bits and posibly other regalia. Spaniard Conquistadors most likely taught the Native Americans Blacksmithing by the early 1800's as that trade was necessary to maintain horse drawn equipment.

Read more at: http://www.newmexicohistory.org

By 1860, and most likely earlier, Atsidi Sani, a Navajo blacksmith, was taught Silversmithing by the Spaniards and Western Silver began in Southwestern North America, (now known as Arizona and New Mexico). As Silver was bright and shiny, Native Americans were attracted to it immediately and pieces made by the early Navajo Silversmiths were in high demand by Native Peoples throughout the Southwest. Western Silver and the Silversmithing trade spread rapidly. By 1880, Turquoise was introduced into Silver adornments made by the Navajos and Western Silver Jewelry items such as Bracelets, Rings, Earrings and Concho Belts with Turquoise became even more desirable by the Native Peoples and soon white Settlers and Indian Traders.

Indian Traders of the Southwest brought Western Silver and Turquoise made by the Navajo Indians to Southern California which was in a full boom. The Western Silver was immediately accepted by the Californians and a brisk trade began between the Southwestern Region and California for Western Silver Jewelry made by the American Indians, specifically, the Navajo Indians.

By 1900, Western Silver Jewelry, now made by the Navajo, Zuni and the Hopi Indians was in high demand and tourism had began to the Southwest, mainly due to the Crand Canyon National Park.

Mexican Silversmith Information

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