Raymond Gasper — Zuni Silversmith
Raymond Gasper is a Zuni silversmith identified in Hougart's hallmark reference as active since the 1940s, specializing in cluster work.
The Gasper family is well documented in the Zuni silversmithing tradition: Rose Gasper (active 1930s–1980s) shared a stamp with her husband Arlan Gasper and was the mother of Arnie and Duran Gasper; Dinah Gasper and Peter Gasper are also noted in our reference books for carved and set stonework.
The Mark
"Mark: R G (since 1970s, usually with a wind symbol)"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 126.
The adjacent Gasper family mark is documented as "A & R G" (shared mark of Arlan and Rose Gasper).
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- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf's 2003 hallmark index gives RG to three entries:
“RG (Raymond Gasper, Rebekah Isashie Goodluck, Richard & Geneva Terrazas)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 156 [1]
From the Library: Dubin, North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment (1999)
1999 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1999, not today.
Dubin (1999, p. 475) pictured a concha belt of Lone Mountain turquoise and a bracelet of Villa Grove turquoise by Raymond Gasper (Zuni), dated about the 1940s to 1960s, as classic examples of Zuni cluster work coveted by the Navajo. [2]
Sources
- 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.
- Dubin, Lois Sherr. North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present. Original photography by Togashi, Paul Jones, and others. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1999. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1999.
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. © Turquoise Skies Inc.