Ann Sheyka — Zuni Silversmith
Ann Sheyka (1943–2006) was a Zuni inlay jeweler known for owls and other birds, who worked for many years with Porfilio Sheyka. Gregory Schaaf's American Indian Jewelry I lists her as Zuni, born 1943, active from 1961 in mosaic, channel inlay and engraved jewelry, and taught by her mother (Schaaf 2003, p. 287). Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks gives her dates as 1943–2006 and describes channel inlay with many owls and other birds (Hougart 2022, p. 285).
Theda and Michael Bassman's Zuni Jewelry pictures two inlay pins that she and Porfilio made in 1979, a mountain lion and a rabbit (Bassman and Bassman 2006, p. 31), and an inlay white owl of turquoise, coral, mother-of-pearl and jet that she made in 1998 (Bassman and Bassman 2006, p. 5).
Her hallmark
Schaaf records her work signed P. Sheyka early on, Ann & Porfilio Sheyka in the middle years, and Ann Sheyka later (Schaaf 2003, p. 287). Hougart lists Ann Sheyka in script and a P on a clipped plate, sometimes followed by Sheyka or A. Sheyka in script; most of these stamps were shared with Porfilio (Hougart 2022, p. 285).
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References
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003.
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks: Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders. 5th edition. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Bassman, Theda, and Michael Bassman. Zuni Jewelry. Photographs by Gene Balzer. Revised and expanded 3rd edition. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2006.
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.