Virgil Thomas (1948-1986)

Virgil Thomas became an active silversmith in 1972 and continued until his early death in 1986.  His specialty was 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.

The late Paul Saufkie, Sr. was the technical instructor and the late Fred Kabotie, noted Hopi artist and designer, taught design. Although many techniques of silver work were used, the overlay style gradually emerged as the dominate style. This simple, unique, elegant jewelry is now considered essentially the Hopi style of jewelry.

The Guild's purpose is to produce, purchase, promote, and sell handcrafts and jewelry. The Hopi Arts and Crafts Co-op Guild has its own building on Second Mesa, Arizona, next to the Hopi Cultural Center & Museum. Any craftsman, potter, basket maker, weaver or silversmith can have his or her work displayed and sold there. Half the building is devoted to work benches and supplies for the silversmiths.

With only a 14-year career, Virgil Thomas could not have been overly productive so his jewelry is probably relatively rare.  He was Corn Clan from the Third Msa village Oraibi.  His hallmark signature is a V for Virgil and T for Thomas with the V placed over the T.  He was included in the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture 2002 exhibit "Jewel of the Southwest" and he is represented in that museum's collection.