Leo Coriz — Kewa Silversmith
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Leo Coriz — Kewa Silversmith
Overview
(Santiago) Leo Coriz (1913 or 1914–1997; Kewa Pueblo) was one of the foundational figures in Kewa silversmithing, active from the 1930s through the mid-1990s. He worked in cast work, silver, brass, hand-wrought jewelry, overlay, nugget work, and coral. He studied at the Santa Fe Indian School under Ambrose Roanhorse in 1931–1932 — placing him in the landmark cohort of early SFIS-trained silversmiths who went on to define 20th-century Pueblo and Navajo silversmithing traditions.
He is the father of Mary C. Lovato (born 1936; Kewa), and grandfather of Anthony and Harold Lovato — both of whom are documented silversmiths in their own right. His lineage connects directly to the broader Kewa Lovato family. The Hougart entry at approximately line 12166 is well-sourced with court references (Batkin, 2008 cited twice).
His marks are **LEO CORIZ** and a cursive-form variant documented in Hougart.
The Mark
"(Santiago) Leo Coriz (1913 or 1914–1997; Kewa). Active since 1930s. Cast work; silver, brass; hand wrought jewelry; overlay; nugget work; coral. Father of Mary C. Lovato. Grandfather of Anthony and Harold Lovato. Studied at the Santa Fe Indian School with Ambrose Roanhorse 1931–1932. Multiple award winner. Marks: LEO CORIZ; [cursive variant]"
— Hougart, Bille. *Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks*, 5th ed. (2022), approx. p. ~12166.
Primary marks: **LEO CORIZ** (stamped text); also a cursive/script variant documented in Hougart at the same entry.
Family Links
- Father of Mary C. Lovato (1936–; Kewa) — see Lovato family entries
- Grandfather of Anthony Lovato and Harold Lovato (both Kewa silversmiths)
- Studied under Ambrose Roanhorse (SFIS, 1931–1932) — see Ambrose Roanhorse
- Part of the Kewa/Coriz family silversmithing lineage; related entries include Kevin Coriz (KR Z mark), Lorenzo Coriz (father of Aaron), Matthew Coriz (MATT C.), and Rodney Coriz
References
- Hougart, Bille. *Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks*, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Entry approx. p. ~12166.
- Batkin (2008) — cited twice in Hougart for this entry.
Know more about Leo Coriz or the Kewa Coriz silversmithing family? Contact T.Skies.
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.