This beautiful book examines the first century of Navajo and Pueblo metal jewelry-making in the American Southwest. Beginning in the late 1860s, the region's native peoples learned metalworking and became accomplished silversmiths. Their work was united with a long-standing native traditon of beads and ornaments made from turquoise and other natural materials. The cross-cultural appeal of this jewelry continued into the mid-1900s, despite competition from tourist jewelry and mass-produced imitations. By the 1950s and 1960s, masters such as innovators Kenneth Begay and Charles Loloma created a legacy of fine art jewelry that is prized today. This development is discussed in the context of social changes and adaptations over the century. A values reference guide is also provided.
Paula A. Baxter, an indefatigable American Indian jewelry collector, is professor of humanities at Berkeley College, Westchester Campus, and teaches interior design history at Purchase College (NY). She is a former curator at the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, and the author of "The Encyclopedia of Native American Jewelry: A Guide to History, People, and Terms," "Southwest Silver Jewelry," and numerous articles in magazines. Lately, she's been tracking the Indian Arts market for "The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles."
Paula's new book, "Southwestern Silver Rings," written with her husband, Barry Katzen, has been published by Schiffer Books. Paula wrote the text and Barry did all the photography. (He also shot most of the photos in "Southwest Silver Jewelry.")
In addition to her writing, Paula and Barry are dedicated to the idea of assisting would-be Southwestern vacationers to better understand, plan, and enjoy traveling in Indian Country. They've started the website and blog Southwestern Souvenirs:
http://www.southwesternsouvenirs.com
The aim of the site is to provide information that often falls outside of conventional guide books, and that reflects the realities of a region and its peoples that they've come to know well and love deeply.
