Mark believes that silver mounted bits and spurs should appeal to as many of the senses as possible. “They need to be pleasing to the eye and smooth to the touch. The cricket of the bit and the rowels in the spurs should sound good. Although bits and spurs can be beautiful works of art, more importantly they need to be functional,” he explains. This belief has set a standard for a successful career, including founding membership in the distinguished Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.

The making of handcrafted gear has flourished over the past two decades, with makers experimenting with new materials, techniques and designs, and adding their personal stamp to a long legacy of traditional artistry. We introduce you to Mark Dahl, bit and spurmaker. Learn a bit about the skills, ingenuity and perserverance that goes into making a "good hand," in this Art of Gearmaking video from our Back At The Ranch exhibition.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mark Dahl
Deeth, NV
Mark Dahl grew up in a ranching family at the foot of the Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada’s Starr Valley. He grew up as a cowboy, working on his father's ranch, as well as others in the area. This valley continues to be home base for his family and work as a silversmith. In the early 1980s, Mark made the decision to become a silversmith, combining his skills as a welder with his fascination for silver-mounted bits and spurs. In 1982, he founded Mark Mfg., and the sturdy functionality and beautiful artistry of his work is recognized among collectors and working cowboys. He is largely self-taught, learning metalwork and silverwork through trial and error, and by studying the traditional gear of the Californios and buckaroos of the region. Mark believes that silver mounted bits and spurs should appeal to as many of the senses as possible. “They need to be pleasing to the eye and smooth to the touch. The cricket of the bit and the rowels in the spurs should sound good. Although bits and spurs can be beautiful works of art, more importantly they need to be functional,” he explains. This belief has set a standard for a successful career, including founding membership in the distinguished Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.

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Produced by the Western Folklife Center in 2004.

Director, Camera, & Editor Chris Simon. Producer & Sound Recordist Meg Glaser.

Made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, Anne Pattee, Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest, Community Folklife Program Fund for Folk Culture, and by the multitude of staff, artists, volunteers, and community members working behind the scenes.

Brought to you by the Western Folklife Center, using story and cultural expression to connect the American West to the world.
www.westernfolklife.org

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