National Museum of the American Indian

The Creation Pendant by Ben Nighthorse Campbell
		“Among Native Americans, the greatest of all gifts is that of the Creator, the Great Spirit. For it is that eternal force who willed all things in the cosmos. The heavenly bodies, mankind, and all of those things that walk the Earth or fly above it exist because of the Creator. History records the Naja pendant shape as early as the fourteenth century, where it appeared as a talisman for good luck among the Moors. Over the centuries, from the Moors to the Castilian Spanish to the conquistadors to the Mexican explorers and finally to Native Americans, this talisman was worn both on the horse’s bridle and as personal adornment to ward off harm and to bring the wearer good luck, as was the sky stone called turquoise. It is in this spirit that I hope all those who own this pendant enjoy good fortune and a long, healthy life.” —Ben Nighthorse Campbell Specifications The sterling silver pendant is reversible, with a turquoise center stone in both the front and back. It is 2 1/2 inches tall by 2 1/4 inches wide and weighs approximately two ounces. Chain not included.


		Pricing $550 (plus shipping & handling) NMAI Members $495 (free shipping & handling)


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From his studio in Ignacio, Colo., nestled in the Four Corners region, Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) has created award-winning jewelry for decades. The master jeweler specializes in bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces made of the finest gems, sterling silver, and 18-karat gold. A key figure in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s (NMAI) history, Campbell’s contribution to the museum continues with the limited edition Creation Pendant, sold exclusively through the museum and with all proceeds benefiting NMAI programs.

Available for the holiday season starting on November 17, the Creation Pendant is a hand-cast, reversible pendant with a center stone on both sides. Measuring approximately two inches long and two inches wide, the item is limited to a strict quantity of no more than 1,000 pieces. Inspired by a pendant worn for good luck by the Moors in the 14th century, Campbell hopes the Creation Pendant will bring its wearers “good fortune and a long healthy life.”

Campbell, born in 1933 in Auburn, Calif., has had a storied career in American politics. Winning a seat in the Colorado General Assembly in 1982, Campbell went on to be elected into the United States House of Representatives four years later. It was during this tenure that Campbell made one of the most significant contributions to the present-day museum. Then a congressman, Campbell sponsored the bill in 1989 which formally authorized the establishment of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Following this momentous achievement, Campbell was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1993 and served as one of the only Native Americans in Congress until his retirement in 2005. During his term, Campbell also served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

His commitment to his country and to Native Americans runs deep. A former Airman Second Class of the United States Air Force, Campbell was stationed in Korea during the Korean War and received both the Korean Service Medal and the Air Medal.

While his contributions to the NMAI and his skills as a jeweler often share the spotlight, what are not as well known are Campbell’s accomplishments as a judo champion. The young Campbell won three National Judo Championship titles as well as a gold medal at the 1963 Pan American Games. He also captained the American judo team at the 1964 Olympic Games and carried the flag during the closing ceremonies.

With work located in museums and private collections around the world, the Creation Pendant is sure to be a treasured gift and another masterwork from an accomplished artist.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell