Ray Tafoya — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
Ray Tafoya's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
The mark
"Ray Tafoya (?-1994; Santa Clara). Ray Povijemu Tafoya (Povijemu: 'Falling Flower' is also the name of the family shop) was a ceramics artist and silversmith. Active c. 1960s-1994. Stamp work; applique; set stones. Marks: Ray Tafoya (etched script); POVIJEMU" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 301.
Hougart documents this artist as Ray Tafoya (Santa Clara), not Navajo:
What is known
- Full name: Ray Povijemu Tafoya ("Povijemu" = "Falling Flower" in Tewa; also the family shop name)
- Nation: Santa Clara Pueblo (NOT Navajo — DB flag required)
- Life/active span: ?–1994; active c. 1960s–1994
- Dual identity: ceramics artist and silversmith
- Techniques: stamp work, applique, set stones
- Marks: Ray Tafoya (etched script); POVIJEMU (stamped)
- Family context: Art Tafoya (b. 1954, Yaqui) is documented nearby and credited with photos of the Ray Tafoya entry; a personal communication from Art Tafoya (2018) is cited.
No entry found in Adair 1944, Rosnek 1976, Schaaf (Tafoya entries = Lorenzo H. and Mary L. only), or Dubin sources.
Know more about Ray? Let us know.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 301.
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.