This pin of a starlike conch shell is inspired by Mesoamerican art. An ardent student of ancient Mexico, William Spratling was familiar with the conch shell motif that appears in objects such as a footed vessel in LACMA’s collection (M.86.311.48). Highly valued in Mesoamerica, shells bore associations with fertility, water, and the spiritual powers of particular deities. The addition of an obsidian disk creates a striking contrast against the silver that further enhances the design.
Trained as an architect, Spratling moved from New Orleans to Taxco, Mexico, where he established his first silver workshop in 1931. Working alongside master silversmiths and local apprentices, in 1935 he opened his famed Taller de Las Delicias, which attracted a cohort of international artists, intellectuals, and Hollywood celebrities. Spratling’s emphasis on craftsmanship and his experimentation with different sources, including Mesoamerican art, Art Deco, and modernism, contributed to his great success and helped revitalize the Mexican silver industry.
Rachel Kaplan
2025
