The aesthetic of the Dine' creator (artist) is truly unique. As silversmiths we are the original designers and tangible creators of the Squash Blossom Necklace. Our tribal and cultural jewelry items are one of a kind.
Today I share with you the Dine' earring. It is a constant item of the female environment, the earring. We as Dine' refer to this "earring" as Ja'atlo'. It is historically and heirloom item that is worn as a necklace addition of a mature Dine' woman. But, in her youth it was worn as ear adornments on her desert ears. Made traditionally with earth elements of turquoise and mother of pearl shell, the earring stands alone as the monumental narrative of women's adornment.
I share this Ja'atlo' from my private collection as an example of the basic earring design. The long lines of this jewelry item make it screen with elegance and strength. It is a simple design yet speaks volumes of the story of the female matriarch in the Navajo community.
To be sure, even in 2020, the Dine' women are still immersed in the human act of 'adornment' and this our case its Indigenous Dine' Adornment. I hope you will always remember that every piece of jewelry in Navajo and Pueblo culture carries huge story with it and therefore perpetuates narrative everytime!
Blessings in all things.
Venaya Yazzie
New Mexico, USA
New Mexico, USA
01-05-20
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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