@Lin true and true and the naja and pomegranates that we so love are adopted from the conquistadors and how many times did that border change before the 1850s then after as late as the 1970s I believe
1 Like
Yes, indeed, LL. It’s good to know these things.
2 Likes
The Santa Clara piece I was thinking about when I posted the Acoma above
In another topic I posted a photo of the Mexican quetazacotal figure ring, a mythical creature related to the common Pueblo diety, Awanyu, the water serpent. Similarities of symbolism and style abound across the broad expanse of the Americas.
2 Likes
I will put Mexican pieces in correct category going forward
2 Likes
I also have a piece of Santa Clara pottery with the water serpent. I inherited a large beautiful olla from my mom that she bought in '69, and she had no idea who made it. For years I thought it was Acoma, until we finally learned that it’s Zia.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound grumpy about it! Don’t worry if you put them in other areas; I’m not necessarily right on that. It was just a suggestion in case there’s a bunch. There’s been a lot of Mexican pieces of jewelry interspersed all throughout these categories. And it is confusing. Most of the stuff in the non-native category isn’t Native made (from anywhere in North America) at all.
And I do appreciate the history both you and @Lessonslearned posted. Even though a lot of us on here know it, there are ALWAYS new people who don’t. And I totally agree it’s good to learn the history of where this beautiful art came from.
Edit: I think part of my confusion is it’s never clear to me when the Mexican jewelry is native made in Mexico. I just don’t know much about it.
1 Like
Might be fun, and educational, to create a place on here for people to discuss other, more general topics like the history of silver jewelry in the Americas. (Is there one and I missed it?)
Also, might discuss what makes pieces valuable. Is value these days predicated on the market demand and the style du jour, or age, beauty, complexity, the artist who made the piece? A Navajo cuff by Charlie or Tommy Singer will fetch more than an equally beautiful chip inlay cuff that is unsigned. There is a dramatic and puzzling differences in dealer valuation and pricing online, in all forums, auction houses, facebook, etsy, etc. Maybe could discuss how value is determined? Or how we would like to see value determined?
Since forum is called Turquoise People, maybe discussions on the mines, colors, types of turquoise. How turquoise is formed geologically? Is white buffalo turquoise? Chinese turquoise, is it good? Is it valuable? What makes turquoise valuable?
Any interest in a broader, general discussion area, not necessarily involving specific pieces and prices?
2 Likes
One time we discussed Jessica Simpson wearing a concho belt with a bikini. Does that count? 
6 Likes