Knifewing Silver Money Clip

This Navajo  creation contains the Zuni Knifewing symbol over-layed onto the stamped silver backing finished off with a turquoise cabochon placed in the middle. The Knifewing is a half-man, half-eagle diety with knife-shaped feathers. The Knifewing would come down off the high mesas around Zuni and bestow bestow wisdom, strength and courage amongst his recipients, only revealing himself to the warriors who serve as protectors of the village This money clip represents the traditional styling of Navajo silver work. Stamp patterns may vary with each individual clip.

Navaho Stamp Work: The earliest form of the adornment of silver was stamping. This method would usually incorporate the use of chisels, awls, punches and files. Early stamp work designs often imitated the patterns of Mexican leather work of the day. Traditional Navajo jewelry is symmetrical, repetitive and balanced in proportion and design. Patterns were often begun in the center of the piece and worked toward the edges.