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"I like to create something new and still use the old Navajo design style.”
-Kenneth Begay
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.
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-From “Totems to Turquoise”, The American Museum of Natural History
A traditional Navajo hogan in Monument Valley, Arizona.
Photo source and © Fine Arts of the Southwest Inc.
The historic continuity of 19th and 20th Century Navajo silversmithing was handed down from Slender, Maker of Silver (1831-1915) at left to his son, Fred Peshlakai (1896-1974) at center and then in turn to Peshlakai’s student, Kenneth Begay (1913-1977) at right.
Left photo source and © Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe, NM. Center photo source and © Chicago History Museum. Right photo source and © Arizona Republic.
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