This lovely pin by Navajo artist Willie Yazzie Sr. offers the best of this new style of jewelry that began in the mid 50’s. The pin has a domed silver base, with a overlay design in the silver, then a beautiful bird design, inlaid with coral, pin shell and turquoise. Willie Yazzie worked for Trader Dean Kirk for over 10 years and was one of a few smiths that hallmarked their pieces while working in Kirks shop. He also demonstrated his work at Mesa Verde National Park for some 20 years. He passed away in 1999.

It measures 3” in diameter. A bit of history here! We offer a pin to pendant conversion piece, upon request, so it can be worn as a pendant.

Dean Kirk owned and operated the trading post at Manuelito, NM. He also owned and operated the Lone Mountain turquoise mine in Nevada, where each summer he and several Navajos would mine the turquoise, weather permitting. Dean wanted to bring a new style of Navajo jewelry to the public and hired Navajo, Hopi and Zuni bench smiths to create his vision. He taught them how to cut stones, both cabs and inlay. He combined Navajo, Hopi overlay and Zuni inlay all together in many of his pieces. He then distributed this work to the many trading post in both Arizona and New Mexico. If you’ll look, I bet you have a piece of their jewelry in your collection.