Eddy Beyuka — Zuni Silversmith Hallmark
Eddy Beyuka's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Zuni · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Eddy Beyuka is documented in Hougart as Edward A. Beyuka (1921–2002); "Eddy," "Eddie," and "Edward" are all common variants of the same name in the documentary record. This identification is supported by Schaaf's index, which lists "Eddie Beyuka" in the same listing cluster as Christine, Filbert, and Jonathan Beyuka — consistent with the Hougart family structure.
Edward A. Beyuka was one of the most significant Zuni inlay silversmiths of the twentieth century. He produced mosaic work from 1951 and, toward the end of his career (c. 2000), specialized in large, complex bracelets and bolos. He served as the registered agent for the Zuni Craftsmen Cooperative Association (ZCCA), a role that placed him at the institutional heart of Zuni silver craft organization. His work included figural inlay in silver and gold, with kachina imagery among his documented subjects.
Beyuka had two children who became silversmiths in their own right: Philbert (Bert) Beyuka and Jonathan Beyuka (born 1953). His former wife, Madeline Beyuka (born 1935), was also a mosaic inlay silversmith and sister of Angela Cellicion; some inlay work was probably collaborative between Edward and Madeline. He was also the father of Janet Amesoli.
The mark
Per Hougart: Marks: EA B (may be with Zuni); E. BEYUKA; an eagle [image mark].
What is known
- Born 1921; died 2002; Zuni
- Specialties: figural inlay; silver and gold; kachina imagery; mosaic work; large bracelets and bolos
- Active: mosaic work 1951–c.2000
- Served as registered agent for the Zuni Craftsmen Cooperative Association (ZCCA)
- Family: father of Philbert (Bert) Beyuka and Jonathan Beyuka (1953–); former husband of Madeline Beyuka; father of Janet Amesoli
- Marks: EA B (may be with Zuni); E. BEYUKA; eagle image mark
- Some inlay work may be collaborative with Madeline Beyuka
Know more about Eddy? Let us know.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 60. "Edward A. Beyuka (1921-2002, Zuni). Figural inlay; silver, gold; kachinas. Edward Beyuka produced mosaic work 1951–c.2000, he specialized in large, complex bracelets and bolos. Father of Philbert and Jonathan Beyuka. Some inlay work was probably collaborative with his former wife Madeline Beyuka. Father of Janet Amesoli. He was the registered agent for the Zuni Craftsmen Cooperative Association (ZCCA). Marks: EA B (may be with Zuni); E. BEYUKA; an eagle."
- Bedinger, Margery. Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1973. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1973.
- Manley, Ray. Ray Manley's Collecting Southwestern Indian Arts & Crafts. Text by Clara Lee Tanner and others; photography by Naurice Koonce, Ray Manley and Alan Manley. Tucson: Ray Manley Photography, 1979. Includes Clara Lee Tanner, "Southwest Indian Silverwork," pp. 39–41. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1979.
- 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.
- Bassman, Theda, and Michael Bassman. Zuni Jewelry. Revised and Expanded 3rd Edition. Photographs by Gene Balzer. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, 2006 (first published 1992). Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2006.
From the Library: Bedinger, Indian Silver (1973)
1973 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1973, not today.
According to Bedinger (1973, p. 188), the Zuni jeweler Eddie Beyuka was one of the smiths who followed Charles Loloma into gold, and the group entered solid gold pieces in the annual competitive Indian shows of Arizona and New Mexico in 1968. [1]
From the Library: Manley, Collecting Southwestern Indian Arts & Crafts (1979)
1979 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1979, not today.
According to Manley (1979, p. 43), a Zuni channel-work bracelet with an eagle dancer motif was made by Eddie Beyuka, the spelling the book uses. [2]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 84) recorded Eddie (Edward A.) Beyuka's stamps as E.A.B. and E. Beyuka, with a macaw parrot head as his hallmark. [3]
Schaaf (2003) recorded his war service:
“He was captured by the Japanese in World War II and survived the Bataan Death March.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 84 [3]
Schaaf (2003) dated the start of his jewelry work:
“In 1956, he began making jewelry, specializing in mosaic and channel inlay”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 84 [3]
Schaaf (2003, p. 84) listed his work in the Peabody Museum at Harvard University and the Tanner Collection in Gallup. [3]
From the Library: Bassman and Bassman, Zuni Jewelry (2006)
2006 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2006, not today.
Bassman and Bassman (2006) pictured a bola tie by him:
“Inlay Plains Indians Dancer with silver drum tips made of turquoise, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl in the 1970s by Eddie Beyuka.”
— Bassman and Bassman (2006), p. 37 [4]
Bassman and Bassman (2006, p. 37) also pictured an inlay Hoop Dancer bola tie of turquoise, coral, jet and gold lip mother-of-pearl, made in 1972 by Eddie Beyuka. [4]
Field Notes by Mateo James
I notice two differences between the books. Hougart describes his image mark as an eagle and dates his mosaic work from 1951, while Schaaf's 2003 entry calls the hallmark a macaw parrot head and says he began making jewelry in 1956. I show both as printed.
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.