Fred Natachu — Zuni Silversmith
Fred Natachu works in mosaic and channel inlay. Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks lists him as "Fred Natachu (Zuni)," active since the 1960s, and records that he shares stamps with his wife, Lolita Natachu (Hougart 2022, p. 221).
Theda and Michael Bassman's Zuni Jewelry shows a ring of his in a 1991 collection: inlay in gold, with a raised figure of coral, turquoise, jet and mother-of-pearl (Bassman and Bassman 2006, p. 15).
His hallmark
Hougart gives his marks as F. L NATACHU, F. L and F L N. They are shared with Lolita Natachu, whose entry prints the first as "F. L. NATACHU" (Hougart 2022, p. 221). A piece with these marks may be hers.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks: Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders. 5th edition. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Bassman, Theda, and Michael Bassman. Zuni Jewelry. Photographs by Gene Balzer. Revised and expanded 3rd edition. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2006.
- 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.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003) recorded that he
“(collaborates with Lolita Natachu)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 241 [3]
Schaaf (2003, p. 241) recorded Fred Natachu as Zuni, of Zuni Pueblo, active from the 1960s in mosaic, channel inlay and stampwork jewelry and paintings, the husband of Lolita Natachu, with a 1965 exhibition at the Museum of New Mexico and showings at the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup. [3]
Schaaf (2003, p. 242) listed bolos, bracelets, buckles, earrings, necklaces, reversible pendants and pins among his forms. [3]
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.