Southwestern Indians & Their Adornment

JR Willis (1876-1960), The Silversmith’s Daughter, 1920.

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I love that one. I’m pretty sure it has been in one of my Arizona Highways issues also. I’ll have to go back and look one of these days at my old copies, although by no stretch do I keep them all.

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Navajoland,1952

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Another photo by photographer Laura Gilpin (1891-1979). This image appeared in Gilpin’s book “The Enduring Navaho” originally published in 1968.

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Seeing these wonderfully colorized photos by Edward Curtis is a treat! I’ve heard and read about the Night Chant, the Hero Twins, and other deities but never seen any actual ceremonial images. Thank you so much, these are wonderful!

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Oooh, the jewelry!:heart_eyes:…and that fabulous Jar! Although it looks more typical of Acoma, not Zuni??

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Great catch, @Bmpdvm! Della looks to be in ceremonial dress, maybe participating as an Olla Bearer at a Gallup Ceremonial? In some back and forth I found on Facebook concerning this photo and your observation, one of Della’s descendants, Bernadette Appa, mentions the possibility of Della holding an Acoma olla rather than Zuni could have been due to trade. Definitely seems viable to me. I did a small amount of looking to no avail, but it would be neat to learn more details about that particular photo.

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Renowned Navajo silversmith Hosteen Goodluck

Larry Frank published this 1904 image in Indian Silver Jewelry of the Southwest, 1868-1930 on page 28, but was unaware the subject was silversmith Hosteen Goodluck. The silver squash blossom necklace and concho belt he wears in this image serves as excellent proof of his silversmithing skills. - Kim & Pat Messier

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That’s such a great photograph of Hosteen. Here he is in 1929, eight years before his death.

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Aaron, have you ever come across a photograph of Etsitty Tsosie?

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These are the only two examples I’ve come across, Tom.

Etsitty Tsosie (approx. 1880-1937)

Ca. 1920’s

C.G. Wallace is the tall man in the white cowboy hat in the center of the photo. Etsitty Tsosie is standing immediately to Wallace’s left in the photo. (Fine Arts of the Southwest)

Ca. 1930’s

Photo © Gene Cain

Considering the above photo is roughly seven years before his passing, I’ve always wondered if it’s meant that Etsitty is standing immediately to Wallace’s right. The gentleman to his left looks awfully young.

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Maybe it’s meant that Etsitty is standing immediately to Wallace’s left, when looking at the photo. Regardless, I agree the other gentleman looks quite young.

Thanks for posting these, Aaron. I’ve never seen either before. :+1:

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I bet you’re correct, Tom.

Some friend, huh?

:roll_eyes:

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Next, I’ll learn that you know the whereabouts of Jim Morrison’s belt. :face_with_raised_eyebrow:

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:rofl:

:speak_no_evil_monkey:

Only if you promise not to tell…:shushing_face:

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Sorry, but @OrbitOrange is gonna fight for dibs. :grin:

https://forum.turquoisepeople.com/t/belt-buckles-concho-belts/9417/12

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Thanks for researching it a bit; interesting that this jar was discussed on Facebook (I cancelled my membership some time ago after my account was hacked). I always pick up on great pueblo pottery, this jar was made by an expert potter. I agree that a trade is certainly logical. Regardless, a great photo​:blush:

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I’ve never had a Facebook account, but it is kind of handy being able to view comments as a result of searching, as in this case. I only wanted to mention the discussion I came across strictly because a descendant of Della’s had chimed in, which I thought was cool. :+1:

It certainly is. :+1:

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Chief Yellowhorse and his wife Oggie, champion Charleston dancers, at the Harry Carey Ranch Store Trading Post in the 1920s.

I perform a similar dance when asked to work on belt buckles. :hugs:

Grey Eyes and Chee Singing Navajo Love Songs. Taken by J.R. Willis, ca. 1920.

Navajo gentleman spinning wool, ca. 1900.

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So, that’s how the Buckle Dance is performed. :thinking: :laughing:

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