Rita Joe Cordalis — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
The marks
One mark is documented for Rita Joe Cordalis: CRJ (provisional).
Rita Joe Cordalis (Navajo). Exotic materials. Channel inlay; insets; turquoise, coral. Brothers are Alfred Joe and Larry Joe.
About this mark
Rita Joe Cordalis is documented as a Navajo silversmith in the T.Skies hallmark reference library.
Know more about Rita? Collectors, family members, and researchers are invited to reach out through our contact page — verified details help us build a more complete record for every artist in the directory.
References
- T.Skies Native American Hallmarks Library — documented from the T.Skies gallery collection.
- Hougart. Native American & Southwestern Silver Hallmarks (2022)
- Bahti, Mark. Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers. Tucson: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2007. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2007.
- 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.
From the Library: Bahti, Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers (2007)
2007 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2007, not today.
According to Bahti (2007, p. 68), Rita Cordalis (born 1954) had a style distinct from her brothers', beginning with the stones she sculpted and set herself, usually fossilized ivory, jet or ebony; as of 2007 she worked silver when she could take time from her post as art gallery curator at Fort Lewis College in Durango. [1]
Rita Cordalis told Bahti (2007) she learned from her brother Larry while in high school:
“Al was busy at his workshop in town but Larry had a small workbench at home where I had the opportunity to not only watch him work but to try it myself.”
— Bahti (2007), p. 69 [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003) described her work:
“Her contemporary style features bold, hand-carving.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 122 [2]
Schaaf (2003, p. 122) recorded third prizes at Indian Market in 1983 and in 1984 for matched sets, and listed gold, silver, coral, turquoise, ivory, ebony and cocobolo among her materials. [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.