Aaron Toadlena — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark

Biography by Mateo James

Hallmark of Aaron Toadlena (Navajo) — photographed by T.Skies

Aaron Toadlena's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.

Aaron Toadlena is a Navajo silversmith documented as active since the 1990s. He works in several traditional forms, including row bracelets, pendants, and stamp work, with particular attention to carved turquoise.

The mark

"Aaron Toadlena (Navajo). Active since 1990s. Row bracelets; pendants; carved turquoise; stamp work." — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 311.

What is known

Aaron Toadlena appears in a cluster of Toadlena-family silversmiths. The surname is associated with the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills area of the Navajo Nation (northwestern New Mexico), historically a significant silversmithing and weaving community. Related entries in Hougart include:

  • Gordon Toadlena (Zuni): mark G. T.
  • James W. Toadlena (Navajo): active since the 1970s, nugget work, row bracelets, applique; marks J. Toadlena; J. W. TOADLENA (may include IHMSS: Indian Hand Made Sterling Silver; may also have etched signature).

No other book sources consulted (Adair 1944, Rosnek & Stacey 1976, Schaaf 2003) contain an entry for Aaron Toadlena.

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References

  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 311.

This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.