Founded by Maida Branch (a born-and-raised Santa Fe native of Pueblo, Ute, and Genízara descent) in 2017, Maida Goods is a collective of Indigenous and Indo-hispanic artists producing remarkable handmade goods from silver, wool, wood, & clay. Every object is immediately identifiable as something special, produced in small batches and entirely by hand, there's a brilliant blend of creativity and craftsmanship in even the most simple item.
Started by three brothers in the year 1880, Los Gorras Blancas were a political vigilante group active in the territories that would go on to become the state of New Mexico until 1891. They fought to return stolen land to the native Mexican and Indigenous communities displaced by anglo squatters, tearing down fences, burning railroad ties, and scattering settler livestock.
Maida's "Don't Fence Me In" collection takes its inspiration from Los Gorras Blancas, reflecting on the barbed wire that stitched the open commons of New Mexico into a patchwork quilt of private rangeland and railroads. In honor of that past Land Back movement, Maida has reimagined barbed wire as a harmless accessory, shaping it from soft sterling silver.
Designed by Maida Branch as part of the "Don't Fence Me In" collection, the Barbed Wire Choker is handmade by silversmith Gino Antonio in Navajo Nation. Having inherited two professions from his grandfather, Dino practices both silversmithing and traditional horse healing.
Made from sterling silver wire, the choker features a pliable open loop with multiple smooth barbs around the sides - these have been softened and rounded so as to not poke or prod. Easy to take on and off thanks to the 1" opening and soft flat wire ends at either side, it's not at all uncomfortable, despite its intimidating design.
- .925 sterling silver
- Multiple sizes
- 1" opening
- Multiple barbs
- Not sharp
- Designed by Maida Branch and Ysidro Barela
- Handmade by Gino Antonio in Navajo Nation
Size: 13", 14", 15", 16", 17"
