Pins and Pendants

Buttons and pins were traditionally used to decorate clothing in the Southwest. Early buttons were made from coins that were hammered into silver discs and stamped with designs. Pins were soldered onto the buttons so they could fasten to fabric. Later, bales were added to allow the pendant to be looped on beads or a leather cord necklace. An iconic look to this day amongst Navajo (Diné) women is to wear large turquoise pins on colorful velvet blouses.