Norbert Peshlakai, Diné of the Navajo Nation Jeweler
+ Add Artist to My Preferences
Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Norbert Peshlakai is respected as a top award-winning contemporary jeweler. He is a master goldsmith and works in silver. He uses only the best natural gemstones. A circle with a middle dot over an X is part of Peshlakai’s hallmark. His distinctive hallmark rests on the surface of the bracelet rather than on the inside.
Norbert Peshlakai (1953- ) is Diné of the Navajo Nation, Towering House Clan. He is active ca. 1972 to present: contemporary jewelry, container, paintings. Norbert is the great-grandson of Asah ĺ chei / Asant Chee; material grandson of Bessie Steven and Fred Steven; paternal grandson of Billy Roanhorse, Margaret Peshlakai; son of Ben Peshlakai and Lydia Peshlakai; bother of Leta McBride, Calvin Peshlakai, Clifford Peshlakai, Hattie Peshlakai, Victoria Peshlakai Venagas, Jasper Peshlakai, and Frieda Peshlakai; husband of Linda Peshlakai; father of Aaron and Natasha Peshlakai.
Awards: 1978, 3rd; 2006, Most Creative Use of Stamp Work, 1st; 2010, 1st, Indian Market, Santa Fe; 1st, (2), 2nd; SWAIA Fellowship; 1984.
Reference: American Indian Jewelry III: M-Z 2,100 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Yan Schaaf.