Diné Jewelry History Talk Comes to Mountainair

The Torrance County Archaeological Society will host a free public presentation on the history of Diné (Navajo) jewelry on Tuesday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the MMAC Building, 101 E. Broadway, Mountainair.

Zeke Naabaahii Argeanas will lead the presentation, which explores one of the most distinctive and enduring art traditions in the American Southwest. Diné jewelry — known for its bold use of turquoise, coral, and sterling silver — has roots stretching back centuries, with silversmithing techniques developed in the mid-1800s after contact with Mexican plateros. Over generations, Diné artisans transformed those influences into a unique art form, producing styles such as squash blossom necklaces, concho belts, and hand-stamped silver work that remain culturally significant and widely recognized today. Zeke Naabaahii Argeanas is a renowned young Diné (Navajo) traditional silversmith, bead artist, and jeweler from Chinle, Arizona, specializing in pre-1800s techniques. He is recognized for using traditional tools, including pump drills, to create authentic, hand-ground turquoise and shell jewelry.

Navajo jewelry is not merely decorative. For the Diné people, adornment carries ceremonial, spiritual, and familial meaning, with many pieces passed down through generations as expressions of identity and heritage.

You don’t have to be a member of the Torrance County Archaeological Society to attend. The event is open to the public. The MMAC Building is located at 101 E. Broadway in Mountainair.