Anthony Edaakie — Zuni Silversmith
Zuni · documented in the T.Skies hallmark reference library
Anthony Edaakie (1927–1989) was a Zuni silversmith, carver, and jeweler active from the 1940s through the 1960s, working in inlay with rainbow man designs. He shared his mark with his wife Rita Edaakie. He was the father of Raylan Edaakie.
Anthony Edaakie is part of the broader Edaakie silversmithing family. His nephew Dennis Edaakie (1931–2008), son of his brother Merle, [1] became a recognized master of Zuni inlay and is separately documented in this directory. Also documented in the family: Dale (Myron) Edaakie (1957–; Zuni), son of Dennis and Nancy Edaakie.
Inlay is a foundational Zuni technique in which precisely cut stones — turquoise, coral, jet, shell — are set into recessed silver channels to create richly patterned mosaic surfaces. Rainbow man designs are a recurring figural motif in Zuni inlay, depicting the Zuni ceremonial figure associated with rain and harvest.
The Mark
The mark TONY + RITA is a shared stamp with his wife Rita, using their given names.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Bahti, Mark. Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers. Tucson: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2007. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2007.
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From the Library: Bahti, Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers (2007)
2007 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2007, not today.
According to Bahti (2007, p. 44), Bahti lists an Anthony among the brothers of Merle Edaakie, Dennis Edaakie's father; together with Theodore and Lee, the brothers made some of the finest inlay and mosaic work in Zuni. [1]
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.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.