Norman Bia
Overview
Norman Bia is a Navajo silversmith making traditional and contemporary jewelry — cast work, file work and set stones. He is a multiple award winner.
His documented marks: N. Bia, which may appear with a four-point star, and ByiA with a star over the "i"
The Mark
"Norman Bia (Navajo). Traditional and contemporary jewelry; cast work; file work; set stones. Multiple award winner. Marks: N. Bia (may be with a four-point star); ByiA (with a star over the "i")"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: N. Bia (may be with a four-point star); ByiA (with a star over the "i").
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 buckle of his:
“Stamped belt buckle with one stone turquoise, made by Norman Bia.”
— Bassman (1997), p. 56 [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 84) recorded Norman Bia's stamp as N. Bia with a star hallmark, and listed Indian Market prizes for concha belts in 1990 and 1991 and first prizes for bracelets in 1999 and 2000. [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.