Lee Yazzie (Navajo)
One of the foremost respected Navajo jewelers in the Native American art world, Lee Yazzie is truly a perfectionist. Any piece of jewelry he makes is literally perfect, or it does not leave his workshop.
Lee Yazzie is the son of two traditional Navajo silversmiths and is one of thirteen children. Ironically, growing up, the children were never encouraged or allowed to touch any of their parents jewelry making tools. It wasn’t until 1969, at age 23, when Lee was recovering at his mother’s home from an operation for a congenital hip deformity, that his mother began teaching her son her trade.
In the early 1970s his talent for making jewelry began to show. He was then pressed by the famous trader, Joe Tanner, to learn how to cut turquoise and he began his career as an exceptional inlay artist.
Lee went on to win an unprecedented three Best of Show awards at the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonies between the years 1969 and 1990. In 1980, he conceived a design for which he has become famous, the corn bracelet.
Today, Lee Yazzie’s work is fiercly collected. As we acquire his work, we offer it to our collectors first. If you would like us to add you to our Lee Yazzie list of Collectors, please let us know.
untitled |
untitled |