Allen Kee, Diné of the Navajo Nation Jeweler
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The talent of Diné jewelry artist Allen Key is quite evident in his silver and turquoise creations. Allen Kee signs with the White Hogan symbol, his initials AK and HAND MADE with STERLIN.(see below).
Allen Kee (1916-1972) worked for the White Hogan Gallery in Arizona in the 1950s and 60s. He and his cousin Kenneth Begay were responsible for modernizing the look of Diné jewelry while working as silversmiths for Virginia and John Bonnell at the White Hogan.
Navajo Modernism had its roots at the White Hogan Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, beginning in the 1950s. The gallery was owned and operated by Virginia and John Bonnell. The Bunnells hired innovative artists who developed a unique look characterized by smooth, clean lines, influenced by the work of Georg Jensen and Danish Modernism. The work has a sleek, sensuous appeal. Artists blended traditional Navajo designs into their work creating a distinctive look that continues to influence Diné jewelers today. As the creation of jewelry associated with the White Hogan Gallery required great skill, only the very best artists worked there.
TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Diné - Navajo Nation
