Nelson Burbank
Navajo Silversmith
Navajo silversmith Nelson Burbank is known for his beautiful row cuffs, mostly using Arizona’s Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. His silverwork is influenced by traditional old-style silverwork.
The Burbank family history in silversmithing goes back many generations. Nelson, a silversmith for over 35 years, was taught by his father and his father before him back to man who lived in the Black Mountain area of Northeastern Arizona. This family friend had learned the art from the famous first Navajo silversmith Atsidi Sani (Old Silver Smith) back in the mid 1800's.
Experts in the area seem to agree that Atsidi Sani (“Old Smith”) was the first Navajo silversmith. Learning skills as a blacksmith first, he may have begun silversmithing as early as 1860.
Nelson is the father of silversmith Nelvin Burbank.
Nelson Burbank's hallmark of "N B"
