Tufa cast bracelet by Ute silversmith Anthony Bowman from Gallup, New Mexico. This 1 1/8” cuff with the traditional Navajo border pattern (a symbol for renewal) has a 5/8” x 5/8” turquoise cabochon in the center.The inside of the bracelet measurers 5 1/4" with a 1 1/8" gap.
Tufa casting is a technique of pouring molten silver into a tufa stone mold and letting it harden into a given form.
Ute silversmith Anthony Bowman is known for his tufa cast jewelry. Many times tufa cast jewelry is made from a mold used more than once, but Anthony carves a tufa stone for each piece of original silver work he creates.
About the artist
Anthony Bowman
Anthony Bowman is known from his classic American Indian jewelry style, particularly wonderful tufa cast silver bracelets. The grain of the porous stone gives the silver a Southwest rustic grainy style.
Anthony’s pieces are noted for theirflowing design that combines classic and contemporary Navajo cast styles. He also uses different textures, polishes, geometric carving, and free hand designs plus beautiful turquoise stones. Many times tufa cast jewelry is made from a mold used more than once, but Anthony carves a tufa stone for each piece of original silver work he creates.
Each of Anthony's pieces is cast in a mold which only works one time and then is discarded; so every single piece is a one-of-a-kind creation. His bracelets are hefty because he carves his molds deep in the stone and this requires more molten silver to fill his molds. You'll love the solid feeling to his pieces.
