Nicholas Leekela — Zuni Silversmith
Nicholas Leekela is a Zuni inlay jeweler who works with Theresa Leekela. Gregory Schaaf's American Indian Jewelry I lists him as Zuni, working in gold, silver and channel inlay jewelry with turquoise, coral and mother-of-pearl, and records an award at the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup (Schaaf 2003, p. 213). Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks lists him as Zuni, active since the 1950s in inlay and carved turquoise and coral (Hougart 2022, p. 182).
Theda and Michael Bassman's Zuni Jewelry pictures an inlay carved flower of coral, mother-of-pearl, gold lip mother-of-pearl and turquoise by Nicholas Leekela, among link bracelets made in 1991 (Bassman and Bassman 2006, p. 20).
His hallmark
Schaaf records that he engraves N & T. Leekela (Schaaf 2003, p. 213); Hougart gives N & T LEEKELA and Nicholas & Theresa Leekela, in etched script (Hougart 2022, p. 182).
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.
- Bassman, Theda, and Michael Bassman. Zuni Jewelry. Photographs by Gene Balzer. Revised and expanded 3rd edition. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2006.
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.