Natural Museum of the American Indian // Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family

Prior to my visit, I decided to do a little research on the Glittering World to gain some contextual understanding of the exhibition. 

As it appears, the collection of Navajo jewelry was made entirely by the 12-sibling Yazzie family, a collective of master jewelers from Gallup, New Mexico. They are one of the most celebrated jewelry making families of their time, and do not typically produce more than 10 pieces a year - signifying the immense intricacy that is invested into each piece of jewelry. Each pendant, necklace, bracelet, ring or buckle has been inset with hundreds and hundreds of precious stones using their unique combination of original and traditional silversmith techniques. Material beauty aside, the accessories also carry great symbolic meaning, creating positive power and bringing blessedness to their wearers.

Featuring almost 300 examples of contemporary jewelry made by several members of the Yazzie family, Glittering World shows how the Yazzie family’s art carries on from their Southwest cultural root and the strong connection to their Navajo traditions. Moreover, I was able to gain a greater understanding on Navajo jewelry and its construction, its development as a form of cultural expression and the meaning behind the strong, spiritual symbolism.

As a fashion student, it was a great being able to get to the root of one of Fashion's greatest trends - The industry itself and street style enthusiasts alike have been appropriating American Indian designs for years, but nothing beats being able to see  up close and in greater personal detail.