Early Navajo Silver Curio Bracelet With Whirling Log

If you're new to Native American jewelry collecting, you may be wondering why in the world a symbol associated with the horrors of World War II appears smack dab in the center of this vintage Navajo silver bracelet. This symbol is an actually an ancient one used by many cultures around the world including the Navajo. In fact, swastika comes from the Sanskrit svastika, which means “good fortune” or “well-being." For Diné people too, the Whirling Log represents good luck. 

Sickeningly, the Nazi Party coopted this symbol and turned it into something horrendous. In 1940, A Whirling Log Proclamation joined the Navajo, Papago, Apache, and Hopi in opposing its use by the Nazis. The proclamation stated “because the above ornament, which has been a symbol of friendship among our forefathers for many centuries, has been desecrated recently by another nation of peoples, therefore it is resolved that henceforth from this date on and forever more our tribes renounce the use of the emblem commonly known today as the swastika on our blankets, baskets, art objects, sand paintings and clothing.” 

Some Diné artists still abide by this proclamation although others have reclaimed the Whirling Log symbol.

The proclamation can help you date pieces with whirling logs on them. If you can identify that the piece is truly an early one, you know that it was done before this proclamation in 1940. 

This silver cuff is one such piece that dates prior to 1940. It has a single whirling log surrounded by a repeating pattern of stamp work. It serves as a good reminder that darkness may try to overcome light, but in the end, goodness will prevail. 

This bracelet was made in the period between 1930 and the Whirling Log Proclamation in 1940. It's stamped with a block "Sterling" hallmark which was the sterling mark used in the 1930's. During that time period, the "Sterling" mark wasn't widely used, but you'd see it most often in curio or tourist jewelry known today as "Fred Harvey era jewelry." 

Though not all curio jewelry was handmade, sterling silver, or even Native made, this one is all three. 

Whirling log jewelry and other art like weavings have become very collectible once people learn the history behind the symbol. Someone will excitedly add this bracelet to their collection. 

Bracelet measures 6" inside plus a 7/8" opening that can be sized. 1/2" width. Unsigned apart from the "sterling" stamp.