Kee Nez — Silversmith
Overview
Kee Nez (born 1963) is a Navajo silversmith active since the 1980s, working in tufa casting and file work with stone sets in silver and gold. He is the brother of Al Nez and Gibson Nez, and a multiple award winner. His documented mark is "KEE NEZ."
The Mark
"Kee Nez (1963-; Navajo). Active since 1980s. Tufa casting; file work; stone sets; silver, gold. Brother of Al and Gibson Nez. Multiple award winner. Mark: KEE NEZ"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: KEE NEZ.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- 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.
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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 bola tie of his:
“Silver overlay and stampwork with a black onyx stone, made by Kee Nez.”
— Bassman (1997), p. 57 [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 mark:
“Kee Nez (stamps KEE NEZ)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 246 [2]
Schaaf (2003) quoted the dealer Gene Waddell that Kee Nez is from
“an artistic family. His mother is a rug weaver and his grandfather was a silversmith”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 246 [2]
Schaaf (2003) quoted Waddell further:
“Kee uses 14K gold and sterling silver to create his stunning, hand-crafted surface designs”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 246 [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.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.