Navajo Overlay Grandmother Pendant by Sam Gray

This Navajo overlay pendant is as beautifully created as it is meaningful. It depicts a grandmother of sterling silver with 14kt gold overlay. 

Notice the detail in this Navajo woman from her traditional gathered and rolled hair style to her moccasins and skirt. Her velveteen blouse is decorated with motifs from Navajo life including memories of her riding horseback under red sandstone monuments wearing her pleated skirt and concho belt. A darling little fawn and a raincloud add so much charm. All of these elements are done in 14k gold. 

It's as if this old Navajo woman is recalling beloved memories from her past. 

What makes this wonderful piece of contemporary Navajo jewelry even more touching is that its Navajo/Zuni creator, Sam Gray, learned the art of silversmithing from his Mom. In Sam Gray's skilled and clearly loving hands we see an aging woman brought to life with  intention and care as the subject of a piece of lovely artwork. This is in complete contrast to Western society where aging women are often discounted and even invisible. It's refreshing and encouraging to see this pendant that celebrates an older woman's journey. Thank goodness for Sam Gray and his traditionally matrilineal culture.

Wear it in reverence of women, be it one special woman or all. It could not be more timely!

Sam Gray's pendant measures 2 5/8" x 1 1/4" and is signed on the reverse.

Watch this video to get a better idea of the scale.