Ernie Lister — Silversmith
Overview
Ernie Lister (born 1953) is a Navajo silversmith active since the 1970s, working in the traditional manner: ingot silver, hand-wrought construction, stamp- and file-work, and set stones. He studied under John Burnside (d. 1988) at Pine Springs, and the entry records that he started his own shop, printed there as "Hotel Trading," in 1990. He is a multiple award winner.
The Mark
"Ernie E. Uster (1953-; Navajo). Active since 1970s. Traditional; ingot; hand wrought; stamp- and file-work; set stones. A student of John Burnside (d.1988) at Pine Springs, Al., Lister started his shop Hotel Trading in 1990. Multiple award winner. Marks: E Lister (script); E. LISTER (etched block letters)"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: E Lister (script); E. LISTER (etched block letters).
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- 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.
Know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 144) listed an Ernest C. Lister among four makers given the initials LE in the hallmark index, with Linberg Billah, Linda Eustace and Clarence Lee. [1]
Schaaf (2003) recorded his first mark:
“stamps or engraves Ernest C. Lister, first used in 1983”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 216 [1]
Schaaf (2003) recorded a second mark:
“LE with oversized L, first used in 1984”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 216 [1]
Schaaf (2003, p. 216) recorded Ernie Lister as Navajo, born in 1953 and active from about 1972 in traditional ingot silver jewelry, taught by John Burnside of Pine Springs, and named Perry Shorty and Steven Tiffany as his students. [1]
Schaaf (2003) wrote:
“His jewelry is forged from ingot silver, hand wrought, hand stamped and filed.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 217 [1]
Schaaf (2003, p. 287) named Ernie Lister as the brother-in-law of the Navajo smith Perry Shorty, and (p. 288) wrote that Ernie and the Hubbell trader Bill Malone encouraged Perry in his work. [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.