Hopi Silver: A Brief History of Hopi Silversmithing

by Margaret Nickelson Wright

Collectors all over the world prize the distinctive silver jewelry crafted by the Hopi people of northern Arizona. Margaret Wright's comprehensive guide, first published over thirty years ago and updated in 1998 to include new artisans, has long been considered the best available reference on Hopi silversmithing and is now available only from UNM Press. Beginning with a brief look at the geographic area that helped form Hopi identity and culture, Wright moves on to examine Hopi silversmiths from the late nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century. Included is the important role played by Mary Russell-Colten of the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff. Russell-Colten encouraged the Hopis to adopt a unique design style that would set their work apart from other Indian silver work, thereby making it more easily distinguishable and profitable. Wright also provides a survey of the tools utilized by the artisans. The index of hallmarks utilized by more than 300

121 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Galowa]

A great introductory handbook and useful reference for anyone interested in learning about or collecting the exquisite work of Hopi silversmiths.

This book includes information tracing the lineages of familial/clan training and apprenticeships for hundreds of individual artists dating from the early to mid 20th century forward and provides high quality photos of their work. It discusses the evolution of the Hopi silversmithing and design traditions including the establishment of HopiCrafts, a smithing collective based at Third Mesa. Discusses the evolution of the silver overlay method widely considered original to Hopi craftsmen. Countless examples of hallmarks, well-depicted in high quality photos and followed up with histories of the careers of some of the more prominent smiths.

I've been an aficionado and collector for over 40 years and still rely on this slender volume. I still use my 1973 edition - not a problem as my focus is on earlier generations of Hopi silver artists.

[Frederic]

A nice, concise, introductory survey to the topic. Comprising about half of the book are the tables of marks, which can be useful but are less comprehensive than, for example, Hallmarks of the Southwest (largely by design, since this book focuses specifically on Hopi work).

[Michael Martin]

A short, straightforward survey. Good photos. A nice chronological table of artisan hallmarks (symbol/signatures).