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.
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.