Harlan Coonsis — Zuni Silversmith
Harlan Coonsis has worked in silver since 1974. Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks lists him as "Harlan Coonsis (1958-; Zuni)," describes "Early cluster work, then inlay; some spinners," and calls him a "Multiple award winner" (Hougart 2022, p. 94).
Much of his documented work was made with Rolanda Haloo, then Rolanda Coonsis: an inlay Zuni necklace or pin (Schiffer 1996, p. 108), a raised-inlay bracelet with coral in the shape of corn from the 1980s (Bassman and Bassman 2006, p. 31), and an etched inlay eagle belt buckle made in 1991 (Bassman and Bassman 2006, p. 46).
His hallmark
His marks change with the partner. Hougart lists "H R C ZUNI" and "H. R. COONSIS", used with Rolanda Haloo, and "H. M. COONSIS", used with Monica Coonsis (Hougart 2022, p. 94). Read the middle letter before attributing a piece.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks: Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders. 5th edition. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Schiffer, Peter N. Indian Jewelry on the Market. Text and photography by Peter N. Schiffer. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 1996.
- 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.