Three-quarters view of a silver metal ring with a rectangular turquoise stone setting embellished with nature-inspired and rope-like decorative elements. The band narrows towards its back.
Angled side-view of a silver metal ring with a rectangular turquoise stone setting. Visible are three-dimensional embellishments of simple vegetal and rope motifs.
Top-view of a silver metal ring with a turquoise stone-setting. Visible are the inner grooves flowing across the band’s interior and towards the stone.
Top-view of a silver metal ring with a turquoise stone-setting. Visible are the inner grooves flowing across the band’s interior and towards the stone.
Top-view of a silver metal ring with a turquoise stone-setting. Visible are the inner grooves flowing across the band’s interior and towards the stone.
Three-quarters view of a silver metal ring with a rectangular turquoise stone setting embellished with nature-inspired and rope-like decorative elements. The band narrows towards its back.
Image in storage of a silver ring with a rectangular turquoise stone-setting embellished rope-like and nature-inspired decorative elements. Next to the ring is a yellow tag labeled ‘13.647’.
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Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)

Ring

Maker

Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)

Culture

Diné (Navajo), Native North American

Title

Ring

Year

before 1913

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

silver

Dimensions

2.4 cm (15/16 inches) (diameter) of hoop

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of Isaac C. Bates

Object Number

13.647

Type

Exhibition History

Being and Believing in the Natural World
Perspectives from the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, and Indigenous North America
Oct 22, 2022 – Jun 04, 2023

Label copy

Skillfully worked jade objects, such as the knife and disc in the case at left, have been found in elite tombs in China. Thousands of years ago, they likely held ceremonial meaning. Vibrant stones like malachite, said to capture the luminosity of the sun and moon, were also treasured in China. 

Ancient Greeks loved gold jewelry, often incorporating plant and animal motifs in their designs. They also transformed readily available materials into glass beads for necklaces. 

Since ancient times, Indigenous people in what is now the Southwest US have mined turquoise. Diné people believe turquoise provides spiritual protection. 

—WC | GB | SB

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)
Ring, before 1913
Silver and turquoise
2.4 cm (15/16 inches) (diameter) of hoop
Bequest of Isaac C. Bates 13.647

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