Jimmie Etsate — Zuni Silversmith
Jimmie Etsate is a Zuni inlay jeweler who took first place for inlay at Indian Market three times between 1986 and 1989. Gregory Schaaf's American Indian Jewelry I lists him as Zuni, working in mosaic and inlay and in beadwork, and records his Indian Market awards in Santa Fe: in 1986, first for bracelets and first for inlay; in 1988, first and second for inlay; in 1989, first for inlay and third for pins; in 1990, third for inlay (Schaaf 2003, p. 150).
Schaaf gives his forms as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants and pins in silver, coral, turquoise, jet, shell and spiny oyster, his favorite designs as Knifewing and butterflies, and records that he collaborates with his wife (Schaaf 2003, p. 150). Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks lists him as active since the 1970s in inlay and mosaic inlay (Hougart 2022, p. 115). Paula A. Baxter's Encyclopedia of Native American Jewelry names Jimmie and Bev Etsate among the Zuni couples who achieved acclaim in the second half of the twentieth century (Baxter 2000, p. 193).
His hallmark
Hougart gives his mark as his name, Jimmie Etsate, in etched script (Hougart 2022, p. 115); Schaaf records that he engraves his name (Schaaf 2003, p. 150).
Own a piece with this mark, or know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies.
References
- 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.
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks: Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders. 5th edition. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Baxter, Paula A., with Allison Bird-Romero. Encyclopedia of Native American Jewelry: A Guide to History, People, and Terms. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 2000.
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.