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Design Styles |
Cibola Ties™  |
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Each Cibola Tie neckpiece begins with sterling silver. Pieces are cut and different
techniques are used to bring about the end result.
Native American silversmiths are highly regarded around the world,
their skills having been passed down for generations. In the southwestern
region of the United States, Native Americans have developed certain
techniques and design patterns which characterize a certain tribe.
And so, we have Navajo style which is easily distinguished from
Hopi style or Zuni style.
Traditional Navajo style silver work centers around
the technique known as stamping, where the artisan begins with a
piece of silver and stamps designs into it. This is accomplished
in a way similar to using a punch and mallet. |
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| Hopi |
Navajo |
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image to enlarge |
Other design patterns may be added by soldering wire onto the piece.
More complex pieces may incorporate gold or gemstones such as turquoise,
lapis, red coral or onyx. These are typically mounted onto the silver.
The beauty of the Navajo style can be witnessed by observing the Navajo
women with their neckwear.
Traditional Hopi style utilizes the overlay technique,
where a second layer of silver with a pattern cut into it is mounted on
top of the back layer. In general, Hopi designs are based on symbols reflecting
nature. Water waves, rain clouds, and eagles are some examples. Less stone
work is seen in Hopi designs.
The Zuni style of New Mexico is noted for use of the
inlay technique, which emphasizes stonework. In contrast to Navajo silversmiths,
Zunis mount their stones onto the silver flush with the surface. It is
the variations in stone colors which make the Zuni style popular.
Today, there is a great deal of overlap between the various styles. For
example, a neckpiece may incorporate elements of all three styles. Hopi
silversmiths may create Navajo style pieces. Gold may be the basis of
a design with silver accents. Many silversmiths are also using other less
popular methods in their work with striking results. The technique of
tufa casting is but one example. Here, the silversmith creates a negative
impression of the desired design by carving in tufa stone. Silver is then
poured into the mold, creating an image of the design.
These are all positive changes which have expanded designs and improved
appearance. At Cibola Tie Company, we constantly seek artisans who can
improve the diversity and appeal of our ties.
At Cibola Tie Company, we believe the skills of the Native American silversmiths
should be tapped to create contemporary designs as well. And so we offer
designs to make our ties more appropriate for the business setting.
Cibola Ties™
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