Anthany Kee — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark
Anthany (Elmer) Kee is a Navajo silversmith who works in cast and stamp work, producing buckles, pins, and butterfly motifs. He is the son of George Kee, placing him in a well-documented Navajo silversmithing family. The name "Anthany" is likely an alternate transcription of "Anthony."
The mark
What is known
The Kee family is one of the more extensively documented Navajo silversmithing families in Hougart. Related entries in the same cluster include:
- Allen Kee (1916–1972; Navajo): Active 1940s–1960s; traditional fabricated stone sets; studied under Ambrose Roanhorse; worked at Babbitt's Indian Shop and the White Hogan with brothers George Kee and Ivan Kee and cousin Kenneth Begay (1946–1962). Mark: A K (conjoined, embossed), usually with the White Hogan shop mark.
- Carol Kee (Navajo): Active since 1970s; traditional, nugget and applique; cartoon character motifs. Mark: CAROL KEE (may include IHMSS).
- Edith Kee (Navajo): Active since late 1960s; stamp work, various stones, pins, crosses; daughter of Ivan Kee. Marks: E K; E; K.
- Ed Kee (Navajo): Traditional jewelry, nuggets, inlay. Marks: ED KEE; ED KEE (with arrow and "Navajo").
Anthany (Anthony) Kee's father George Kee is referenced but his entry does not appear in the immediately surrounding text. The butterfly motif and cast work are characteristic of a contemporary Navajo working vocabulary.
No entry for Anthany or Anthony Kee appears in Adair 1944, Rosnek & Stacey 1976, Bedinger 1973, or Schaaf 2003.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 169.