Contemporary Sterling Silver Tufa Cast Cuff by Navajo Silversmith Fidel Bahe

Tufa cast sterling silver buckle by Navajo silversmith Fidel Bahe. The 3 1/2” x 2 1/2” contemporary buckle has a stylized male Yei head. Made for a 1 1/2” belt. Tufa casting is a technique of pouring molten silver into a tufa stone mold and letting it harden into a given form. The mold is only used once; therefore each item is an original piece. The Yei are the Navajo Holy People. About the Artist Fidel Bahe was born in 1949 at Keams Canyon, Arizona. He is the firstborn of eight children--two sisters and five brothers. He studied architecture and engineering at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff before taking up silversmithing at the age of 24. Fidel focused on traditional Navajo designs with his own creative style. In 1976, Preston Monongye...

Turquoise Ring with Sterling Silver Setting made by Navajo Silversmith Terry Martinez. The silver work on this ring is made in a traditional Navajo manner. Terry hand stamped deep Navajo designs around the entire ring. Terry Martinez, award-winning Navajo artist from New Mexico, has been an active silversmith for well over 30 years. Terry carries on the famed Martinez clan's devotion to the creation of traditional design jewelry in the style of previous generations. Using only the finest turquoise, Terry adapts the ingot style, rolled and hand pounded techniques to create some of the most striking jewelry in Indian Country. Everything is made by hand. Terry uses hand cut bezels and only high quality natural stones. A regular supplier to the famed Hubbell Trading Post National Monument, his work is featured prominently in the finest galleries throughout the country. Terry regularly places first in the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial. Terry is the brother of Calvin Martinez...