Jason Pearl Ukestine — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark

Hallmark of Jason Pearl Ukestine (Navajo) — photographed by T.Skies

Jason Pearl Ukestine's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.

Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library

Jason and Pearl Ukestine are a documented husband-and-wife pair of Zuni silversmiths, both active since the 1970s. They share a set of marks, a standard practice among married Zuni silversmithing couples. Batch notes identified them as a likely Zuni couple, confirmed by Hougart.

The Ukestine family is part of a broader Zuni silversmithing cluster documented in Hougart. Related Ukestine entries include: Atria Ukastine (Mark: A. U.), Clarissa Ukestine (needlepoint; Mark: L & C ZUNI NM, shared with husband Lebeck), Dann Ukestine (active since 1970s, row bracelets, watch cuffs, Mark: DANNY U.), Lebeck Ukestine (needlepoint, shared mark with Clarissa), and two Unkestine-spelled artists — April Unkestine (inlay, sun face designs, married Freddie Leekya, Mark: A Unkestine Zuni) and Irma Unkestine (Mark: I. UNKESTINE), plus Victoria Unkestine.

What is known

  • Nation: Zuni (both Jason and Pearl)
  • Active: since 1970s
  • Techniques: stamp work; stone sets
  • Marks: JP (conjoined); JP UKESTINE; J Pukestine (script)
  • Husband-and-wife pair with shared marks; typical Zuni married-couple practice

Know more about Jason? Let us know.

References

  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 323. "Jason Ukestine (Zuni). Active since 1970s. Stamp work; stone sets. Jason Ukestine shares the marks with his wife Pearl Ukestine. Marks: JP (conjoined); JP (conjoined) UKESTINE; J Pukestine (script; the J and P are conjoined and may be read as down)." Also: "Pearl Ukestine (Zuni). Active since 1970s. Stamp work; stone sets. Pearl Ukestine shares the marks with her husband, Jason Ukestine."