Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-1271   CAS 0370-1271; Salt spoon
Category Culinary Items; Jewelry & Metalwork
Object Name Salt spoon
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. 1955-1960
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Metal: Silver
Description Salt spoon with short curved handle with slightly expanded proximal end; Handle is stamped with 5 parallel diagonal lines and a crescent shape; Asymmetrical bowl of spoon has 5 small holes arranged in L-shaped pattern and is partially enclosed on its distal end; Underside of handle is stamped "Sterling" with initials "KB" (Kenneth Begay) and a hogan (hallmark for White Hogan Shop, Scottsdale, AZ). Note: The White Hogan Shop used a casting technique to replicate a number of Kenneth Begay-designed pieces, including earrings, cuff links, pendants, salt spoons, and bracelets. The cast bracelets were often sold in pairs. Cast pieces were marked only with the designer’s initials and the White Hogan shop mark, whereas handmade pieces were also stamped, “Hand Made.”
Dimensions (cm) Width = 1.3, Thickness = 0.5, Length = 5.8