Specializing in Hopi Jewelry

Specializing in Hopi Indian Jewelry, Hopi Jewelry, Hopi silver

Roy Talahaftewa in Santa Fe 2004.   Roy has moved far beyond the definition of a fine craftsman.   His artistic eye, sense of proportion, and balance and his style make his work feel right, whether worn in Paris, New York, or Phoenix.

Roy is from the Second Mesa village of Shungopavi. He has been making jewelry since the 70's and uses the symbol for the Waterbug encompassed by two concentric circles as his hallmark.

For the past few years, Roy has been realizing a personal dream. He has been teaching classes and sponsoring workshops to assist Hopi artists and craftspeople improve their skills - not only in their discipline but also in the business world.

Please meet the husband and wife team of Eddison Wadsworth Soohafyah and Cheryl Wadsworth Soohafyah.  Cheryl is another of the fine female silversmiths at Hopi. She is from the village of Mishongnovi and marks her jewelry with initials CW.

Cheryl and Eddison live just below the rim of the Second Mesa between the villages of Mishongnovi and Shungopavi - they have a tricky driveway, but what a view from their front door!

Anderson Koinva is an accomplished silversmith from the Second Mesa village of Shongopovi.  He learned silversmithing from his father-in-law Bernard Dawahoya and uses a very similar style in his jewelry - bold, clean, and crisp.  There are many wonderful things we can tell you about Anderson, but his smile says it all!

Anderson's hallmark is the Sun's Forehead with a snake.

Eddison is son of Ted Wadsworth, from the village of Shungopavi. Eddison's hallmark is the Lakota sign for Rain.

Berna is the other half of this team. She and Anderson live in Apache Junction, just outside Phoenix, Arizona. There they have a studio where they make and paint by hand Christmas tree ornaments. Each carefully crafted ornament represents something from the life of the Hopi people. When the piece is completed, it is quietly blessed by them, thus making it something special!

A 2004 recipient of a S.W.A.I.A Fellowship Award granted to individuals who "demonstrate both technical ability and creative design", Gerald Lomaventema learned traditional silversmithing at the Guild several years ago. After having studied with Roy Talahaftewa, Gerald decided to incorporate colored stones into his pieces.  This in combination with traditional tufa casting has resulted in some extraordinary work. Gerald is from the Second Mesa village of Shungopavi and uses a Bear Paw for his hallmark.

Merle Namoki is another silversmith who received his early training at the Guild. He is a member of the Sun's Forehead clan and uses the mark of the Sun's Forehead as his hallmark.  Merle lives in the Second Mesa village of Shungopavi.

Charleston (Charlie) Lewis has been making jewelry for 15 - 16 years. He learned from his Uncle Steven Kuyuvia and uses no patterns, thus each piece is original art.  Silversmithing is his livelihood and allows Charlie to "feel free to express myself and it benefits my whole family and Hopi". Charlie uses the cloud and corn for his hallmark.

Ronald Wadsworth, brother to Eddison, son of Ted Wadworth has been doing silverwork for more than 25 years. His work is superb and always unique.  Ron scratches each design directly on the silver before he begins cutting.  He uses no patterns, each piece is an original creation. Ron's hallmark is Lakon Corn as shown here.

Amelia (Lucas) Yowytewa is a daughter of the late, great Hopi silversmith Glen Lucas. Although Amelia has learned silversmithing she chooses not to make jewelry at this time but specializes in handmade chains (most of the time she would spend making jewelry is spent with family and raising her children).

Fernando Puhuhefvaya is an accomplished silversmith living in the village of Shungopovi. He is a member of the Snow clan and is brother to Pat Tewawina.  Fernando uses a very squared, geometric Snow Cloud for his hallmark. His jewelry is excellent and he makes the most delicate handmade chains we have seen.  If you think that smile and twinkle in his eye fortells of a real character, you are right!

Ruben Saufkie works and lives with his family in the village of Shungopovi.  He uses a hallmark of Rain and Lightning and is a member of the Water-Patki clan.  Ruben works in silver and in gold - we look forward to offering more of his work.