Charles Begay — Navajo/Diné Silversmith
Charles Begay (1887–?) was a Navajo silversmith documented in sand casting, stamp work, and set stones. He worked as a silversmith for Frank Patania's Thunderbird Shop, one of the prominent trading establishments supporting Southwest Indian jewelry in the early-to-mid twentieth century.
The Mark
"C (plus a symbol)"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
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- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 99) listed Charles Begay, with Carl Allen Begay and Carlos Begay, among three makers who used a C with a scallop in the hallmark index. [1]
Sources
- 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. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
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Name card shown; hallmark photo to come. © Turquoise Skies Inc.