Sterling silver bolo by Navajo silversmith Avin Joe in the shape of a detailed Kachina with single Kingman turquoise stone on a black braided rope tie. Stamped sterling and maker marked. Avin Joe, master Navajo silversmith born and raised on the Navajo Reservation, learned the trade through his father Phillip Joe who was taught by his uncle Kenneth Begay. Avin learned the basics through observation and developed his skills by taking silversmithing classes ag Ganado High School. During the next several years, Avin worked with various metals to learn their properties, reaction to heat, stamping, etc. and since the mid 1990s has worked almost exclusively in silver, perfecting his skills, to become a master silversmith, building top quality pieces featured in the finest galleries, museums and collections around the world.
PERIOD: Contemporary
ORIGIN: Southwest - Navajo, Native American