Nita Yuselew — Zuni Jeweler
Hallmark documented in: Hougart, Schaaf (1200 Bios). Rendered from the documented mark, not a photograph.
Overview
Nita Yuselew (Zuni Pueblo) has been active since the 1960s, working mostly in petit point and needlepoint — two of the signature techniques of Zuni lapidary-intensive silversmithing. Her marks are NY (which may be set on a plate) and N. Y. She is part of the Yuselew Zuni family; the directory also holds Ryden Yuselew as a related family entry.
The broader Yuselew / Yuselen family at Zuni includes Gilbert Yuselen (active since 1970s; mark G. T. YUSELEN) and R. L. Yuselew (mark: R. L. Yuselew Zuni, script) — both documented in Hougart.
The Mark
"Nita Yuselew (Zuni). Active since 1960s. Mostly petit point; needlepoint. Marks: NY (may be set on a plate); N. Y."
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
Marks: NY (may be set on a plate); N. Y. Both forms appear in Hougart. The plate-set form is typical of Zuni petit point work where hallmarks appear on a small applied silver plate rather than stamped directly into the shank.
Family Links
- Part of the Yuselew / Yuselen Zuni silversmithing family
- Related: Ryden Yuselew (Zuni) — held in the directory; see family context
- Related: Gilbert Yuselen (Zuni; mark G. T. YUSELEN; active since 1970s)
- Related: R. L. Yuselew (Zuni; mark R. L. Yuselew Zuni, script)
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- 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.
Know more about Nita Yuselew or the Zuni Yuselew silversmithing family? Contact T.Skies.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 337) recorded Nita Yuselew as Zuni, active from the 1960s in petitpoint and needlepoint jewelry, signing NY or N.Y., and the daughter of Old Man Acque. [1]
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.