Reassessing Hallmarks of Native Southwest Jewelry

Reassessing Hallmarks of Native Southwest Jewelry: Artists, Traders, Guilds, and the Government

Authors: Mother Pat and daughter Kim Messier

Shiffer Publishing

Hardback, first edition, 2014, Signed by the Authors

144 pages, over 275 color and black-and-white images

11-¼" Height x 9" Width x ⅝" Depth

From the Jacket:

The intensive research undertaken for this valuable book properly identifies forty-five Native American silversmiths and their hallmarks found on Southwest jewelry. Most of the marks date to before the 1970s, with some as early as the 1920s, and include those of traders, guilds, and government programs. This fascinating read also provides the stories of the artists and institutions represented by these marks. Over 275 color and black-and-white images illustrate the hallmarks in situ on jewelry, along with photographs of artists, trading posts, and guild advertisements. The text explains why and when these marks were used. Among the important Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo silversmiths whose lives and artworks are explored are Grant Jenkins, Fred Peshlakai, Juan De Dios, Da-Pah, Awa Tsireh, and others. Many of the talented Indian silversmiths featured in this book left their homes on the reservation in the early twentieth century to work in cities and tourist venues. The profiles also include a handful of contemporary artists who are recognized as master silversmiths today.