John Yazzie, Diné of the Navajo Nation Jeweler

Diné of the Navajo Nation Jeweler John Yazzie is known for sterling silver cast jewelry.  Tufa casting, often erroneously referred to as sand casting, is one of the earliest techniques used by the Navajo smiths. Today, it is still accomplished in the same manner as it was 150 years ago.

He stamps his creations with the initials J Y.

According to Gregg Schaaf’s book, those initials could belong to Jimmy Yazzie, also a Diné of the Navajo Nation.  He was an active silversmith from the 1950s to the 1980s, working for Atkinson Trading Company. He is noted for working in the cast process. [Schaaf 2013:386]

Reference: Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry III: M-Z; 2,100 Artist Biographies

TAGS: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry