Elliot Koinva — Hopi Silversmith
Hopi · documented in the T.Skies hallmark reference library
Elliot Koinva is a Hopi silversmith active since the 1970s, working in overlay. He is the brother of Lauren Koinva.
His brother Lauren Koinva (?–1981; Hopi) was active from the 1970s until his death in 1981, working in overlay and overlay with set stones. Lauren Koinva's documented marks include L K and a rattle pictorial stamp.
Overlay is the defining Hopi silversmithing technique, involving a cut-design top silver sheet soldered onto a darkened oxidized backing to create two-tone relief designs. Both Koinva brothers worked within this established Hopi tradition.
The Mark
Two mark forms: the text mark EK, which may appear with a Hopi Guild authentication mark; and a pictorial stamp of a partial sun perched on a rightward-pointing arrow.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Wright, Margaret Nickelson. Hopi Silver: The History and Hallmarks of Hopi Silversmithing. Revised edition. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2003. Originally published by Northland Publishing. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
- Bassman, Theda. The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry. Photography by Gene Balzer. Walnut, California: Kiva Publishing, 1993. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1993.
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From the Library: Wright, Hopi Silver (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
According to Wright (2003, p. 88), Elliot Koinva, of the Sun's Forehead clan at Shungopavi, began silverwork in 1974 while learning at the Hopi Guild and was still working when the listing was last revised; Wright notes that he and his brother Lauren were both grandsons of Paul Saufkie. [1]
Wright (2003, p. 87) lists his brother Lauren Koinva, of the same clan at Shungopavi, as beginning in 1973 after learning from Bernard Dawahoya, with 1981 recorded as his last year; his mark is labelled 'Rattle'. [1]
From the Library: Bassman, The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry (1993)
1993 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1993, not today.
Bassman (1993, p. 30) pictured rings by Elliot Koinva with prayer feathers and water symbols, on a tray of rings all made in 1992. [2]
Bassman (1993, p. 43) pictured band rings made in 1992 by Elliot Koinva with a prayer-feather design and with water symbols. [2]
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.