Riley Polequaptewa (1948 - )

Riley Polequaptewa, Hopi Pueblo, has been an active silversmith since the 1970s.  His specialty is the traditional Hopi silver overlay technique promoted by the Hopi Arts & Crafts Co-op Guild which was formed in 1947, after World War II, when returning Hopi servicemen were trained at a silversmithing school founded under the G.I. bill. 

Riley Polequaptewa sells his jewelry through the Guild and it bears his bear claw hallmark and the hallmark of the Guild. Note that his name can also appear as Riley Polyquaptewa.

Photo left: American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Yan Schaaf.

Photo right: Adobe Gallery.