Sterling Silver Kachina Pendant - Toby Henderson (#04)

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The Paiute turquoise mine consists of a series of nine full claims that run along the southern and western portion of a rock-strewn and sage brush encrusted central Nevada hillside.  Down the southern slope and to the southwest about a half mile, nestled in a small valley dotted with juniper trees, is the Damele mine.

Paiute turquoise forms in veins and occasionally as nuggets in carbonaceous chert and diatomaceous earth. Since it is relatively new to the market, Paiute is a less well known stone. Because of the high quality turquoise the mine produces, however, it will certainly become a strong contender in the contemporary market. Paiute turquoise ranges in color from powder blue with yellow matrix to an intense, electric blue with fine black spider-web matrix. Unique pastel blue turquoise with white polka dots and blue-greens with dark matrix patterns are also found. Paiute turquoise is rare and strikingly beautiful; it has one of the most wide ranging color palates and matrix variables of any known turquoise.

A small, tightly run operation, the Paiute mine is located near Austin, Nevada.  Clyde Wright initially staked the Paiute claim in 1975. Wright lightly worked the mine for a few years, but had turquoise claims all over the Nevada countryside and seems to have been spread very thin. Tony Cotner, an excellent miner, merchandiser and truly colorful character has owned the claims since 1992, when he bought them from Clyde's estate. Mr. Cotner, is also known as"Mean Green".

About the artist:

Toby Henderson's grandmother developed the style of kachina jewelry. She made bracelets, bolas, earrings and silver belt buckles out of sterling silver. She taught Toby how to make this style and by allowing him to use it, created a family tradition. He went on to perfect the standing kachina design as well as other jewelry. Each piece is made by hand and then soldered together. Creating these three dimensional figures in such a small scale requires time and patience. Toby takes great pride in his special creations. See full biography | See all items by Toby Henderson

Related categories:

Navajo Turquoise Pendants See all items in this category
Navajo Stamp Pendants See all items in this category
Paiute Turquoise Jewelry See all items in this category

Related legends:

Silversmithing
When and how the Navaho acquired the art of working metals is unknown but there are reasons for supposing that it was introduced among them, or at least more developed and improved upon by them, since the time they have occupied their present country? More about this legend

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