Arizona Highways: Indian Jewelry Edition--by Bryan F.

I mentioned in my post last week that my love of Native American art began back in 1974. The little bit of jewelry I bought then was mostly given as gifts to my Mom and Sister, but I do have one chocker that I wore when I was young and skinny. It got passed to my little brother who wore it while he was in high school and then my sister ended up with it. About ten years ago she returned it to me. It doesn't fit anymore and even if it did I don't wear jewelry anymore. I do love having it back though. I've thought of mounting it in a shadow box-like frame. I see it as art. I see the hands that dug the stones and shaped them. This is not factory pressed junk, its art. I've included a picture below. 

Like the choker, all of these pieces pictured below are works of art in my opinion. The essence of each artist is in each piece. They made these items for ceremonial and personal use as well as for a much-needed source of income.