Lawrence Archuleta, Buffalo Dancer, Taos Pueblo Master Silversmith

Lawrence Archuleta: Master of the Taos Silver Tradition

Born in 1959, Lawrence Archuleta of Taos Pueblo is a master silversmith whose work serves as a bridge between the historic and the contemporary. Since joining the legendary Buffalo Dancer studio in 1989, Archuleta has become the primary creative force behind the studio's most iconic pieces. His work is instantly recognizable by the distinct buffalo outline hallmark-a symbol of strength and heritage.

Archuleta is particularly celebrated for his "coin-on-silver" aesthetic. Working in both sterling and high-purity coin silver, he meticulously integrates authentic U.S. currency-including Mercury Dimes, Standing Liberty Quarters, and Peace Dollars-into heavy, hand-wrought settings. This fusion of numismatic history and Taos Pueblo artistry has made his work highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Archuleta's dedication to his craft is documented in Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, solidifying his place in the canon of great Southwestern jewelers.

TAGS: Taos Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry