Ray Lovato — Kewa Silversmith
Ray Lovato is a Kewa (Santo Domingo Pueblo) silversmith active since 1978. The Hougart record documents his work in nugget sets and heishi necklaces — both forms deeply rooted in Kewa jewelry traditions, where heishi shell and stone work has been practiced for centuries.
Our reference library also records a separate entry for Sam Lovato (1935–1999; Kewa), active in shell inlay, plain silver necklaces, rings, earrings, leaf applique, overlay, and set stones. The relationship between Ray Lovato and Sam Lovato is noted in our reference books, though Hougart does not spell out the exact family connection in the excerpt.
The Mark
"RL"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
Know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies.
- 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 (2003) entered him as
“Ray Lovato (stamps RL)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 227 [1]
Schaaf (2003, p. 227) recorded Ray Lovato as Santo Domingo, born about 1946, a maker of heishi necklaces, a grandson of Reyes and Ventura Reano on his mother's side and a son of Ike Lovato and Tonita R. Lovato, taught by his parents from boyhood, with Best of Division at Indian Market in 1993 and 2000. [1]
Schaaf's 2003 hallmark index gives RL to five makers:
“RL (Ruddell Laconsello, Rose Lincoln, Ray Lovato, Randy Lucero, Rebecca Lukee)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 209 [1]
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.
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.