Fermin Hawee — Hopi Silversmith
Hopi · documented in the T.Skies hallmark reference library
Fermin Hawee is a Hopi silversmith active since the 1990s, working in overlay. He is the son of Billy Ray Hawee.
Overlay is the defining Hopi silversmithing technique, in which a design is cut through a top silver sheet and soldered onto a darkened backing, creating a two-tone relief. The Hopi Guild mark, which may accompany his work, certifies Guild membership and authenticates the piece as traditionally produced.
The Mark
The primary mark is a rabbit track pictorial stamp. A Hopi Guild mark may also appear on some pieces. The rabbit track is a recurring motif among Hopi silversmiths, representing clan or design affiliation.
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.
- 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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From the Library: Wright, Hopi Silver (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
According to Wright (2003, p. 104), Fermin Hawee, of the Rabbit clan at Hotevilla, began silverwork in 1991 after learning at the Guild; Wright labels his mark 'Rabbit Track'. [1]
Wright (2003) added one detail about his bench:
“Uses the tools of his father, Billy Rae Hawee.”
— Wright (2003), p. 104 [1]
Wright (2003, p. 81) lists his father, Billie Ray Hawee, of the Sun clan, as born at Shungopavi and later living at Hotevilla; he began in 1959 after learning at the Guild, his mark is labelled 'Star & Crescent Moon', and the listing records his death in 1980. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003) entered him as
“Fermin Hawee (hallmark - rabbit track)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 173 [2]
Schaaf (2003, p. 173) named the Hopi Silvercraft Cooperative Guild and his father, Billy Rae Hawee, as his teachers, recorded him at Hotevilla, and listed The Village Trader in Flagstaff among his galleries as of 2003. [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.