Atsidi Sani facts for kids

Atsidi Sani (pronounced Ah-tsee-dee Sah-nee) (Navajo: Atsidii Sání) was a very important Navajo leader and artist. He is known as the first Navajo silversmith. He lived from about 1830 to around 1870 or even 1918. His work helped start a famous tradition of Navajo jewelry making.

Who Was Atsidi Sani?

Atsidi Sani was born around 1830 near a place called Wheatfields in Arizona. He belonged to the Dibelizhini (Black Sheep) clan. He had many names! To his own people, he was Atsidi Sani, which means "Old Smith." Mexicans called him Herrero, meaning "Iron Worker." Other names included Delgadito (Little Thin) and Beshiltheeni (Metal Worker).

Atsidi Sani was not just a silversmith. He was also a skilled blacksmith, working with iron. He was also a Medicine Man, a Spiritual Leader, and a Navajo Chief. He played a big role in the history of Navajo silversmithing.

How He Learned His Skills

Many people believe Atsidi Sani was the first Navajo to work with silver. He learned silversmithing around 1853. He learned blacksmithing first, when he was about 25 years old. A Navajo leader named Chee Dodge knew Sani well. Dodge even helped Sani walk when he became blind in his later years.

Atsidi Sani learned blacksmithing from a Mexican man named Nakai Tsosi, which means "Thin Mexican." Sani wanted to make horse bridles to sell to his people. Before this, Navajos bought bridles from Mexicans. Sani became good friends with Tsosi. He learned to work with iron by watching Tsosi.

His Important Work

Between 1850 and 1865, Atsidi Sani was the most important iron worker. He mostly made bridles. Someone named Grey Moustache remembered watching Sani make bridle parts from scrap iron. These parts often had small bells hanging from them.

Atsidi Sani was just as important as a silversmith. Many people agree he was the "daddy of silversmiths." Some of his first silver pieces were conchas (round silver disks), bracelets, and other jewelry. He made his first silver piece around 1853. By 1858, Sani became a main chief for the Navajos at Fort Defiance. He was an active leader while still making beautiful silver pieces.

His Legacy

Once Atsidi Sani became very good at working with silver, he taught his skills to others. He taught his four sons: Big Black, Red Smith, Little Smith, and Burnt Whiskers. In 1890, Sani even became a paid teacher.

One of his most important students was his younger brother, Slender Maker of Silver. Chee Dodge said that Slender Maker of Silver was one of the best silversmiths of his time. Slender Maker of Silver also learned some skills from a man named Atsidi Chon (Ugly Smith).

When Did Atsidi Sani Die?

There is some discussion about when Atsidi Sani died. One source says he died near Chinle, Arizona, in 1870. However, another source suggests he lived much longer. Chee Dodge said that Sani lived near Washington Pass, close to where Dodge lived. Sani often visited Dodge. According to Dodge, Atsidi Sani died around 1918. Dodge believed Sani was over 90 years old when he passed away.