Ben Livingston — Zuni Silversmith Hallmark
Ben Livingston's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Zuni · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Ben Livingston is a Navajo silversmith active since the 1970s, documented in Hougart 5th ed. within a large Livingston-family cluster that includes at least six related silversmiths spanning multiple generations.
The mark
Two mark forms are recorded: an abbreviated BL accompanied by an arrow device, and the full-name stamp B. LIVINGSTON. The arrow device distinguishes the abbreviated mark from other artists using BL initials.
What is known
Ben Livingston's entry is brief but situated within a documented family cluster. The most prominent member of the Livingston family is Jacob (Jake) Livingston (1946–; Navajo/Zuni), the 1988 IACA Artist of the Year and a multiple award winner known for spinner jewelry and bird motifs. Other documented family members include Darren Livingston (Jake's son), Jason Livingston (Jake's son), Jay Livingston (Jake's son), and Lorenzo Livingston. The relationship between Ben Livingston and Jake Livingston's branch is not specified in Hougart.
Note: the source scan renders the name as "Ben Uvin ston", but context and surrounding entries confirm the intended name is Ben Livingston.
No entry for Ben Livingston was found in Schaaf (2003), Adair (1944), Rosnek (1976), or Bedinger (1973).
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).