Unveiling Elegance: The Masterful Craftsmanship of Navajo Tufa-Cast Jewelry by Cheyenne Custer
Discover the Artistry of Navajo Tufa-Cast Sterling Silver Jewelry by Award-Winning Cheyenne Custer
Jewelry isn't just about decoration — it's a bridge between the past and the present, a storyteller that binds cultures and memories in each glittering thread of metal. For those enamored by the cultural depth and handmade beauty found in each piece of Navajo tufa-cast sterling silver jewelry, a journey into the world of Cheyenne Custer's creations is sure to be both illuminating and enchanting. Join us as we unveil the artistry behind this unique collection, a masterpiece that boasts the tradition, skill, and heart of Navajo tufa-cast jewelry-making.
About the Artist, Cheyenne Custer
Stepping into the world of Cheyenne Custer is like entering a vivid tableau of Navajo heritage. Hailing from the red canyons and sweeping mesas of the Navajo Nation, Custer's craft is a reflection of her cultural roots. She inherited the rich tradition of jewelry making from her family and has spent years honing her skills, melding age-old techniques with a modern flair that is distinctly her own.
The Unique Selling Points of Navajo Tufa-Cast Sterling Silver Jewelry
Handcrafted by Cheyenne Custer
Cheyenne Custer is Navajo / Diné from West of Gallup, Defiance, New Mexico. She hails from Táchii’nii (Red run into water), and Tódích’ii’nii (Bitter Water), two of the original Navajo clans. Custer learned the art of tufa-casting from her father, Ira, who won Excellence in tufa-casting in 2003 at Santa Fe Indian Market. In 2005, at the age of 15, Cheyenne Custer became the youngest winner in the best-of category. She won in the youth category, an award that the Southwestern Association For Indian Arts (SWAIA) started in the 1970s to encourage promising artists under the age of 18.
Cheyenne specializes in tufa-casting and most of her designs are original. Each piece is a handcrafted marvel, bearing the touch and dedication of an artisan who holds her culture close to her heart. The spirit of Cheyenne's people is palpable in the meticulous etchings, swirls, and patterns that adorn every creation.
Incorporates Traditional Navajo Techniques
From the design process to the final polish, Custer's jewelry embodies traditional Navajo methods, passed down through generations. The heritage of stamp work, stone setting, and bead making courses through the veins of her work, keeping the legacy alive in the modern world.
Unique Tufa-Cast Method
Tufa-casting is a rarely practiced artform that involves carving intricate shapes into tufa stone, allowing for near-magical castings in silver. Each piece of this jewelry line is born of this traditional Navajo technique, infusing it with a raw, earthy texture that speaks volumes about its origins.
High-Quality Sterling Silver
Selecting only the finest sterling silver, Cheyenne ensures that her creations are durable, as lustrous and strong as the community from which they hail. The silver used is more than just a canvas; it's a partner in the narrative that each piece tells, standing the test of time like the unwavering Navajo spirit. As Cheyenne explains,
“First, a design is carved into tufa stone. Then silver is melted and cast into the carved stone. I put a variety of stones on the silver. The stones are hand cut to fit. Various precious stones are used, depending on what the customer wants. There are many steps and hours of work that go into making each piece” (Source: SWAIA Artist’s Page)
SWAIA, Best of Classification, Youth Category
Cheyenne Custer used Tufa Casting to make her award-winning belt, with each concha displaying a distinct Navajo Rug pattern. Her great grandmother wove rugs, and she wanted to do one for her.
In the newspaper article above, from The Santa Fe New Mexican (Wednesday, August 17th, 2005), author Cynthia Wooley goes into great length to describe the intricate process involved in the tufa-casting process that yielded Custer’s SWAIA Best of Category wins. As Wooley explained,
“The tufa-casting method is an elaborate process in which negative relief designs are carved into volcanic rock used to form a casting mold. The artist first cuts the rock to the desired size and shape to fit the piece being molded. Then the rock is cut in half. Custer carves the depth work with household nails her father has filed into different shapes, or dentist’s tools for the fine details. She draws the design first and then files and carves it out of the inner half of the rock. After carving the design, Custer binds the rock together and carves a hole into one end. Finally, she pours molten sterling silver through the hole into the mold. Custer then removes the piece from the mold and buffs it to a high polish. For her award-winning belt, Custer followed the process for all 11 concha pieces because each had a different design.”
What is clear from the article is that Custer “takes her time to make it come out right”. The quality is in the details. Custer is committed to ethical and sustainable practices in her craft.
Each Piece Tells a Story
In Navajo culture, art is not merely decorative — it's a language. The symbols, motifs, and colors woven into each slice of silver carry tales of creation, heroism, and the land. Every bracelet, pendant, and ring are a chapter in the epic that is Navajo history.
Corn Stalk - Universal to All Tribes
As Cheyenne explained in an email,
“Corn is used for a lot of things. Corn pollen is used to pray. Corn is part of our food source. We use corn meal for our women’s ceremony as well”.
Exploring the Collection
To truly appreciate the breadth and depth of Cheyenne Custer's work would require a stroll through her extensive collection. Bracelets reminiscent of sunrise over the canyon's edge, pendants depicting the sacred grandmothers of the mountains, and rings with the power to invoke visions of freedom on horseback—all are here, ready to be admired and revered.
One of the most appealing aspects of Custer's jewelry line is its versatility. Whether you're looking for a statement piece to complete your evening attire or a subtle touch of elegance for everyday
By choosing pieces from this jewelry line, you can feel good knowing that your purchase supports responsible and conscious production.
Conclusion
Embark on a journey unlike any other, one that intertwines beauty with cultural tapestry, legacy with fashion. The artistry of Navajo tufa-cast sterling silver jewelry by Cheyenne Custer promises an experience that goes beyond trends and style; it brings forth a pure and powerful representation of the human spirit, told through the language of silver and stone. Enter into this enchanting world and let the whispers of tradition and art guide you through an ever-changing narrative.
Cheyenne Custer can be reached via Email: ccuste01@gmail.com IG: cheyenne_custer
Are you as captivated by the story behind each piece as we are? For those who wish to make one of Cheyenne Custer’s creations their own or to learn more about her captivating craft, we offer exclusive access through our website www.hsu.design, or email (a.green@hsu.design) which allows for a deeper dive into the collection, and perhaps, a special promotion on select pieces by subscribing. Reach out and let the Navajo heritage become a part of your own.