Cody Hunter (Navajo)

Navajo Silversmiths, Cody Hunter and Lorezno Lee are more than just partners in their jewelry-making, they are first cousins on their mothers’ side. Born three weeks apart, they have been virtually inseparable since they were infants. Growing up in Leupee, Arizona, Canyon De Chelly has been a part of their lives from the start. It can be seen in nearly all of their designs from pictographs to canyon walls and shapes.

These two very talented artists are self-taught and not afraid to ask questions from respected jewelers they encounter. Their attention to detail in their pictorial scenes is amazing. To give their jewelry a different aspect, they create designs on both sides of the piece. Their bracelets have a hidden treasure on the underside that is a delight to discover. Most of their pieces contain three to four layers of silver in the traditional overlay style. This technique seems to bring the canyons life. Sun, Moon and Petroglyph depictions are usually highlighted with the use of gold on silver. The oxidation of the silver in strategic locations also enhances their designs.

Although they’ve spent their entire lives together, these two have only taken up the art of silver-smithing for the past six years. They’ve come along way in that short amount of time and are encouraged by their recent success at all the major Native American Art and Jewelry shows. The most important part of their endeavor has been the happiness they’ve found in working together -- it definitely shows.

Storyteller Ring

Storyteller bracelet (outside view)