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J1141 E.S. Mitchell

Sandcast Naja
Price: $150.00
 
Description

Sandcast naja by Navajo silversmith Eugene Mitchell. The 2 3/8” x 2 1/4” sterling silver naja has a cross in the center. A shepherd’s hook is on the back.

Navajo silversmith Eugene Mitchell has been an active silversmith since the 1970’s.He works almost entirely in sandcasting.Mitchell creates traditional Navajo jewelry with a contemporary quality.

About the artist

E.S. Mitchell

Eugene Mitchell, more widely known as E.S. Mitchell (because of his hallmark), is a prolific silversmith who works almost exclusively in the technique of sandcasting. He has been active since the early 1970’s.

Unlike jewelry made with Sterling silver from a factory rolling mill, sandcast jewelry is made from poured molten silver cast in a tufa stone mold. It more closely resembles the hammered ingot jewelry of Harry Begay, but because it is not annealed multiple times like Harry's hammered ingot jewelry, it does not show as fine a grain to the silver.

Eugene produces traditional, classic sandcast naja pendants with the twist of having a Christian cross incorporated in the design. (Religious conversion came early to the Navajo, first from the Spanish and then a plethora of Protestant sects as well as Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists) descended on them once the U.S. reservation system was established. So, it is not uncommon to see Christian symbols mixed into the art of Navajo silverwork. Other jewelry pieces: squash blossom necklaces, buckles, bracelets and more.  Eugene hallmarks his pieces ESMitchell (it is not uncommon for Eugene to fail to hallmark his pieces).

 

About Bischoff's

Bischoff's Gallery opened in 1999. The gallery, located in historic Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona carries work by Native American, western, and southwestern artists. Known for its collection of Native American Jewelry, Bischoff's also offers a selection of Navajo rugs, kachinas, pottery, baskets, and fine art from artisans of many tribes...

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Opening Hours

Store Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

By appointment - Call 480-945-3289

Customer Service

Contact Bischoff's

Bischoff's Gallery

3925 N Brown Ave • Scottsdale, AZ • 85251

Phone: 480-946-6155

Email: sales@bischoffsgallery.com