Diné Silver and Turquoise Spiral Earrings by Kenneth Begay [SOLD]

This sterling silver spiral earrings pair features a small, beautiful blue domed turquoise cabochon as the center of each eye of the storm.  They are fitted with screw-back attachments typical of the 1950s period.  Each earring is stamped with Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Kenneth Begay’s initials and his White Hogan hallmark logo and the word STERLING.

An article from the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibit Totems to Turquoise states: “Kenneth Begay (1913–1977) was called the ‘father of modern Navajo jewelry’ for his clean, bold, modern designs.  But he also exemplifies the long history and continuity of Navajo jewelry-making: Begay studied under Fred Peshlakai, who had been taught by his father, Slender Maker of Silver, who was trained by Atsidi Chon, one of the earliest Navajo silversmiths. Begay, in turn, taught many others including his son, Harvey, now a renowned jeweler.” 

Although deeply rooted in traditional jewelry-making techniques, Begay's work was so innovative that it was rejected from a 1949 exhibition of Native art as too radical. Although he used and taught the old techniques, Begay explained near the end of his life, "I like to create something new and still use the old Navajo design style."

A photo of the necklace (our Item #C4413B) appears here, just for comparison. It not a part of the earrings and are being offered separately.  These would look good together as a set.

Begay’s elegant, modern style called “Navajo Modernism” had its roots at the White Hogan Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona beginning in the 1950s. The gallery was owned and operated by Virginia and John Bonnell. The Bonnells hired innovative artists who developed a unique look characterized by smooth, clean lines, influenced by the work of Georg Jensen and Danish Modernism. The work has a sleek, sensuous appeal. Artists blended traditional Navajo designs into their work creating a distinctive look that continues to influence Diné jewelers today. As the creation of jewelry associated with White Hogan Gallery required great skill, only the very best artists worked there.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Diné Silver and Turquoise Spiral Earrings by Kenneth Begay is from the collection of a resident of Colorado

Recommended Reading: Southwestern Indian Jewelry by Dexter Cirillo