Richard S. Begay — Zuni Silversmith Hallmark

Biography by Mateo James

Hallmark of Richard S. Begay (Zuni) — photographed by T.Skies

Richard S. Begay's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.

Zuni · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library

The mark

"Richard S. Begay (1943-; Navajo). Channel inlay; mosaic inlay; stamp work; cabochons. The stamps are shared with [his wife Rita Begay]. Mark: RB (sometimes the R is larger than the B; the middle example dates from 1993)" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 54.

Hougart documents this artist as Richard S. Begay (1943-; Navajo):

The wife Rita Begay is documented separately in Hougart as: "Rita Begay (Navajo). Channel work; stamp work; cabochons. The stamps are shared with her husband Richard Bega[y]." Her mark is partially obscured in the source scan but includes the shared RB stamps.

Schaaf also documents Richard S. Begay — listed in the index alongside Sam Begay, Nelson Begay, Steven Begay, Victor Begay, Russell A.N. Begay, and others; no additional biographical detail is legible from the Schaaf source beyond the name listing.

What is known

  • Born: 1943
  • Nation: Navajo (NOT Zuni — DB flag required)
  • Techniques: channel inlay, mosaic inlay, stamp work, cabochons
  • Mark: RB (stamped; R is sometimes larger than B; dated example from 1993)
  • Stamps shared with wife Rita Begay (also Navajo; same mark set)
  • Still active as of Hougart 5th ed. publication (listed as "1943-")
  • Wife: Rita Begay (Navajo; shared stamps — attribution caution)

No entry found in Adair 1944, Rosnek 1976, or Dubin sources.

Know more about Richard? Let us know.

References

  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 54.
  • Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies. (2003) — name listed.