from The Uptown Citizen Thursday, December 12, 1991
As we ready ourselves for the controversy over the influences brought by the
voyages of Columbus in 1492, there is one area of Spanish influence that
native artists are grateful for - the art of silverwork. Native artists
quickly adapted the Spanish methods into their lives, and have become renown
throughout the world for creating a special style of jewelry sought by
collectors. In December, the Indian Craft Shop in the Department of Interior
and the shop in Georgetown will feature the best in contemporary and
traditional jewelry.
The Navajo were the first of the Southwest Indians to learn silverworking.
Coins, pesos and ingots were used until the 1920's when sheet metal and wire
were introduced. The Navajo have become especially well-known for their
stamped concha bells, hand-cast buckles and jewelry and squash blossom
necklaces. The Navajo shared their skills with other Southwestern tribes who
each developed their own styles. Today, American Indian artists also make
silver buttons, hair combs, bolo ties, cuff links and more.
The Indian Craft Shop located in Georgetown has become a favorite shopping
place for local as well as international visitors. December 12-15, the shop
will sponsor its semi-annual Pawn Jewelry Show. This show is a highlight of
the season, especially for collectors. The term "Pawn Jewelry" usually refers
to jewelry made before 1950, however it now includes some contemporary pieces
as well. Older pawn jewelry has a special character since many of the pieces
have turquoise which has aged to a variety of rich blue and green colors.
The Indian Craft Shop at the Department of the Interior is one of the oldest
American Indian galleries on the East Coast, started in 1938 by Harold Ickes,
Secretary of the Interior in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration
to provide an outlet for American Indian arts during the Depression. December
18-20 the shop will feature the works of several well-noted silversmiths
including prize-winning artists Phil Posyesva and Donny Supplee (Hopi) and Lee
Yazzi and Al Nez (Navajo). These artists have incorporated old techniques and
designs with the new, using traditional and non-traditional materials and
stones.
The Georgetown Shop is located at 1050 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. (202)-342-3918
The Department of the Interior is at 1800 C Street, N.W. (202)-343-4056
Alison Lee Wangsness, Asst PROFS Administrator
Information Systems, Georgetown University
Washington, D.C. 20057 / BITNET:wangsnea@guvm
VOICE:202-687-4960 / FAX:202-687-1505