Journal
Sheep is life. Three simple words to convey a history of cultural connections. To the traditional Navajo, these words reveal the hardships and triumphs of their past. That history can be found in the beauty of their weavings. Through them, we can understand more about how Navajo culture developed and how it is faring in […]
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The peoples of the Zuni Pueblo saw health and longevity in the beauty of Turquoise. They called it “łi’anna łi’akwa,” which translates loosely to “stone of sky” (“a’bo’yanne”) or “stone of water” (“k’yawe”).N1 Throughout the southwestern United States and Mesoamerica Native Americans treasure turquoise and associate its color, like that of the sacred sky and water, […]
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Darryl Dean Begay is a Navajo jewelry silversmith and a renowned master of the tufa casting technique. Darryl has been silversmithing for 16 years and has won many awards and accolades. In 2009, Darryl and his wife Rebecca jointly won...
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How is Turquoise Formed? Naturally occurring minerals are separated into two categories: primary and secondary. Turquoise is a secondary mineral. Unlike base elements such as copper or silver, it forms over time. Two natural processes and reactions occur in order to form turquoise. Weathering sets the stage as water passes through rocks and minerals dissolve. Over […]
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The history of many gemstones reveals they were often one of the earliest forms of wealth in many prehistoric societies. Turquoise is an excellent example of how such stones can become not only prized possessions, but a window into past cultures. Archaeologists today are looking at the remnants of those early civilizations and piecing together […]
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