Kee Joe Benally — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
Kee Joe Benally's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
About this mark
The mark shown above is photographed directly on an authenticated piece from the T.Skies gallery — this is Kee Joe Benally's actual stamp, not a recreation.
Kee Joe Benally is documented as a Navajo silversmith in the T.Skies hallmark reference library.
Additional biographical details are not yet confirmed for this entry.
Know more about Kee? Collectors, family members, and researchers are invited to reach out through our contact page — verified details help us build a more complete record for every artist in the directory.
References
- T.Skies Native American Hallmarks Library — documented from the T.Skies gallery collection.
- Bassman, Theda. The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry. Photography by Gene Balzer. Walnut, California: Kiva Publishing, 1997. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1997.
- 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: Bassman, The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry (1997)
1997 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1997, not today.
Bassman (1997) pictured a pair of his gold earrings:
“Textured gold earrings entitled, "It's the Wind", with a Persian turquoise stone, made by Kee Joe Benally.”
— Bassman (1997), p. 49 [1]
Bassman (1997, p. 49) also pictured a textured gold on silver ring set with a Bisbee turquoise stone made by Kee Joe Benally. [1]
Bassman (1997) pictured a bola tie of his:
“Stampwork with a Chinese Spider Web turquoise stone made by Kee Joe Benally.”
— Bassman (1997), p. 58 [1]
Bassman (1997) pictured one of his belt buckles:
“Stampwork and textured silver with circle of triangular cut Bisbee turquoise stones and an oval Bisbee turquoise stone, made by Kee Joe Benally.”
— Bassman (1997), p. 61 [1]
Bassman (1997, p. 18) pictured a necklace of fluted silver beads with hammered and stamped Yei-bi-chai masks made by Kee Joe Benally in the 1970s. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003) recorded his marks:
“stamps KJB and engraved K.J.B.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 82 [2]
According to Schaaf (2003, p. 82), Kee Joe Benally was born in 1936, learned from his parents, worked as a benchsmith for Woodards for 15 years, and had work in the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, which showed him in its 1999 exhibition of Native American Church art. [2]
Schaaf (2003) described one of his signature styles:
“One of his many styles features hand stampwork that simulates the lines on natural leather.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 82 [2]
Schaaf (2003) noted his public service:
“He has served his people as President of the Lupton Chapter of the Navajo tribal government”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 82 [2]
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.