Early Navajo Ingot Manta Decoration, Collected by Hoffman Birney (1891-1958)

late 19th century

in the form of a butterfly with chiseled design elements

length 2-3/8 inches x width 1-3/8 inches, weight 14.5 dwt.

Collected by Hoffman Birney (1891-1958)

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Hoffman Birney (1891-1958) was an American author and New York Times book critic, known for his contributions to Western-themed literature. He wrote nearly two dozen fictional works for various audiences and crafted several compelling historical non-fiction novels. Birney's rich stories wove together tales of cowboys, horses, pioneers, adventure, American history, significant historical figures, and their connections and poignant intersections with Indigenous Americans and their cultures. His most notable work, "The Dice of God," transcended its written form to become a screenplay, launching James Caan into the limelight with a Golden Globe Award for his feature film debut.

Birney lived throughout and traversed the colorful landscapes of the American Southwest, chronicling his experiences as he researched and gathered ideas for his writings. The first iteration of the iconic "Great American Road Trip" is attributed to Birney, as documented in his novel, "Roads to Roam." This intimate travelogue details his 7,250-mile solo driving odyssey in 1928 as he threaded a path across Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Yosemite, and the Navajo Nation in his beloved Chrysler roadster, affectionately known as Betsy. During this pivotal chapter of his life, Birney developed a passion for collecting Navajo jewelry, a pursuit that continued over the subsequent years of his life in the Southwest.

After Birney's death, his widow, Marguerite, generously shared the rare Navajo silver collection with the University of Montana, where it became a centerpiece in a permanent exhibit for over two decades. Describing the origins of the early pieces, crafted from melted Mexican and American silver coins, Marguerite highlighted the skill of Navajo silversmiths in transforming silver and turquoise into intricate jewelry. Birney's engagement went well beyond transactions with local jewelry makers and traders at the outposts; he acquired many of the pieces directly from Navajo men and women whom he met along the way during his travels, creating tangible stories and personal connections to the earrings, rings, bracelets, and buttons in his collection.