A Farewell to Darryl Becenti - Navajo Silversmith

The Native American jewelry world has lost another incredibly talented artist. It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that Darryl Becenti passed away this past weekend. Darryl was one of our favorite silversmiths and he was also a sandpainter. He was born in 1957 in Gallup, New Mexico. He was taught silver smithing by his brothers-in-law David and Leroy Reeves. He was also related to Sunshine Reeves, Gary Reeves, and the Cadman family. Darryl used to make his own stamps and dyes, and heavily employed magnificent stars, fans, scallops, shells, and elaborate appliques in all of his jewelry. His jewelry is highly prized for it's deep hand-stamped Navajo designs, repousse silver work, and thick gauge of silver. The Native American jewelry world has lost one of its bright stars. He will be deeply missed.

Tumbleweeds Jewelry

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SANTO DOMINGO DEPRESSION ERA THUNDERBIRD NECKLACES

Here is a nice old traditional Santo Domingo Thunderbird necklace from the 1940's. These necklaces are often referred to as Depression Necklaces. During that era, materials were scarce and so the Santo Domingo indians used whatever materials were available to make these necklace - materials such as broken bakelite shards, gypsum, colored plastic from combs, pails or restaurant spoons and forks, crushed turquoise chips, while old phonograph records or car battery casings were used as the backing material. This set has crushed turquoise insets in each piece of the necklace. These necklaces were sold to tourists along the highway or at RR stops for as little as 1-dollar during the Great Depression. They've become so collectible that they're becoming more and more difficult to come by. If you are collecting these types of Santo Domingo depression folk art necklaces, this one would be a wonderful addition to your collection.

Tumbleweeds Jewelry