Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-0004A-C   CAS 0370-0004A-C; Carving set: fork, knife and stand
Category Culinary Items; Jewelry & Metalwork
Object Name Carving set: fork, knife and stand
Culture Navajo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. Arizona
County Pinal
Other Geographic Data City: Scottsdale
Maker's Name Kenneth Begay (1913-1977)
Date of Manufacture ca. 1950s
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Metal: Sterling silver; Stainless steel
Description A: Carving fork consisting of commercially made stainless steel 2-tine fork attached to hand forged, hollow ware sterling silver handle; Overlay design on handle consists of 2 rows of triangles along median line; Handle is round in cross section at junction with fork, but curves upward slightly and expands in size and gradually becomes 3-sided before tapering to point; Unsigned by artist; B: Carving knife consisting of commercially made stainless steel blade attached to hand forged, sterling silver hollow ware handle; Overlay design on handle consists of 2 rows of triangles along median line; Handle is round in cross section at junction with blade, then curves down slightly and expands in size and gradually becomes 3-sided before tapering at end; Unsigned by artist; C: Stand for fork (CAS 0370-0004A) and knife (CAS 0370-0004B), consisting of asymmetrical hollow box (without bottom) that is higher and wider at one end; Attached to opposite corners of central portion are smaller boxes, one with single deep cross-cut notch to support knife and one with 2 cutout holes to support fork; Overlay design consists of double row of triangles along median line; Hallmark "KB" (Kenneth Begay) is stamped on interior.
Dimensions (cm) Height = A= 6.8; C= 3.8, Width = A= 3.5; B= 2.8; C= 10.6, Thickness = B= 2.4, Length = A= 27.5; B= 34.0; C= 11.1