100 Collectible Native American Silversmiths

Hallmarks identify thousands of Native American silversmiths -- so many that even seasoned collectors cannot remember them all. However, with concise information at hand, anyone can become an expert at spotting the most important marks. This book helps you do that. It has hallmarks and brief biographies of 100 Native American silversmiths, chosen after consultation with experts in the field. Silversmiths and designers in this book have all passed away, making their work even more desirable and collectible.

Bille Hougart is the author of "Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks," "The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks," "The Native American Silver Jewelry Renaissance: 1938-1948," "100 Native American Silversmiths and Their Hallmarks," and articles and blogs on Native American silver. His career in national science policy included senior government management positions in the legislative and executive branches, and in the private sector. His hallmark books are considered to be indispensable resources to dealers, collectors and fans of silver jewelry and silver objects. His career in science policy instilled both the curiosity and the discipline needed to do the research required to publish hallmarks reference books and articles.

This collection of 146 stunning colorplates shows turquoise in the context in which it is worn and used today. Images depict Native American rituals, daily life, pow-wows, rodeas, portraits, and the landscape and ruins of the Southwest, as well as some of the finest pieces made in the last 50 years.

More than 125 vivid color photos display groups of Indian-made wrought silver, turquoise, shell, and coral jewelry brought together from the American Southwest. The authors explore the diversity of this handcrafted jewelry from historic collections as well as those available today on reservations. Includes products of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Rio Grande Pueblo artisans.

American Southwest Indian artists working in metal, clay, wood, textiles, and paint have proudly left their individual hallmarks on their work-and until now there has not been a comprehensive source for identifying the marks. Barton Wright, the pre-eminent historian, curator, and proponent of these native crafts-people, has filled that void by collecting and organizing these hallmarks into a useful book. Compiled over many years of work with the craftspeople, and with the cooperation of one of their main organizing bodies, the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, Mr. Wright has with this book both made a useful tool for identification and left an important record of the work of these talented people. The information is alphabetically arranged with important personal data, tribal affiliation, working dates, materials used, and facsimiles of their marks.

The 2006 new and revised 2nd edition of the bestselling reference guide to identifying Mexican silver: Loaded with images and graphics of over 1500 marks of silver makers, designers, manufacturers and silver houses in Taxco and throughout Mexico. Eagle numbers from 1 through eagle 219. The book includes all the great ones, including William Spratling, Hector Aguilar, Los Castillo, Antonio Pineda, Sigi, Maricela, Salvador, Valentn Vidaurreta, Victoria, Fred Davis, Artemio Navarrete, Emma Melendez, Bernice Goodspeed, Maciel, Matl, Tane, Hubert Harmon, Chato, Margot and many, many others. The book is cross-referenced and indexed for quick and handy searches. The new edition reveals identities of many mystery marks and includes examples of marks not previously published. Special sections describing fake marks are included for prominent designers.

1,200 artist biographies, c. 1800-present.