Navajo silversmithing traces its origins to the 1860s and 1870s, when Atsidi Sani and other early practitioners adapted metalworking techniques learned from Spanish and Mexican plateros into a distinctly Dine artistic tradition. Through stamp work, repousse, sand casting, and tufa casting, Navajo silversmiths created an iconic design vocabulary — the squash blossom necklace, the concho belt, the ketoh — that remains the foundation of Southwestern jewelry artistry.
From the red mesas of the Navajo Nation to the galleries of Santa Fe, Thomas Begay has spent five decades refining the techniques first brought to the Diné by Atsidi Sani generations ago. His sand-cast and tufa-cast creations represent a living bridge between ancestral metalworking traditions and contemporary artistic expression, each piece carrying the weight of cultural memory forged in sterling silver.
WARNING: This product can expose you to lead and cadmium, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Arrives Wed, Jun 10 – Tue, Jun 16Ships today
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Indian Arts and Crafts Act Compliant
Certificate of Authenticity
Ships with a Certificate of Authenticity recording its artist, tribe, and materials
Discover this exceptional Native American Pendant, handcrafted by Navajo (Diné) artisans, meticulously crafted in Sterling Silver. This remarkable piece showcases genuine Onyx. The Onyx featured in this piece carries a rich heritage — Found in deposits across the world including Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. Black onyx has been polished and carved for thousands of years, representing strength and protection in many cultures. This piece measures 0.75 inches wide by 1.5 inches tall. The Navajo Nation spans 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, making it the largest Native American reservation. Navajo silversmiths learned their craft in the 1860s and developed iconic styles including squash blossom necklaces and concho belts. This piece bears the signature of artist Zia, a mark of authenticity and personal craftsmanship. Every piece at Humiovi is one-of-a-kind — once sold, it can never be replicated. Ships from our gallery in Sedona, Arizona.
SKU: D500300
Estimated delivery: Wed, Jun 10 – Tue, Jun 16
Free shipping on orders over $500
Order by 2pm MST for same-day processing
Certificate of Authenticity
Every purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting the artist, tribal affiliation, and materials used in your piece.
Exchange Policy
All sales are final. We offer exchanges within 7 days of delivery for items of equal or greater value. Items must be in new, unworn condition with all original packaging. Custom and personalized pieces are not eligible for exchange.
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