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1939.8.38B

Bracelet of silver set with eleven turquoises and decorated with impressed dot pattern. [El.B 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 12/9/2005]

On display

1939.8.38B

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Collection type
Object
Description
Bracelet of silver set with eleven turquoises and decorated with impressed dot pattern. [El.B 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 12/9/2005]
Cultural groups
Navajo
Person
Maker Frank Patania
Field collector Frank Patania
PRM source Frank Patania
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1939
Date collected
By 1939
Acquisition information
Purchased: 1939
Materials and processes
Material Silver Metal, Material Turquoise Stone, Process Impressed
Dimensions
Diameter: max 72 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1939.8.38B
Research and responses

Frank Patina (1899-1964) was a jewellery designer and gallery owner active in Santa Fe who hired Navajo silversmiths in his shop. See http://americanart.si.edu/collections/search/artist/?id=27522. [FB 05/08/2013]

Associated publications
This object was featured in the Museum's audio guide produced during the DCF-funded 'What's Upstairs?' project, 2004–2006. [BR 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 8/11/2005] This object was featured in the Museum’s ‘web gallery’ (‘Selected Objects from the Lower Gallery’) produced during the DCF-funded ‘What’s Upstairs?’ project, 2004–2006, with the following caption: ‘The stone most often set in silver by Navajo jewellers is turquoise, as has been used in this bracelet. Turquoise symbolizes good luck, health, and happiness, and is believed to have magical powers.

Search terms: Ornament, Arm Ornament

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