Roger Skeet — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark

Biography by Mateo James

Hallmark of Roger Skeet (Navajo) — photographed by T.Skies

Roger Skeet's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.

Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library

The mark

"Roger Skeet, Jr. (1933-; Navajo). Traditional styles; stamp work; chisel; repousse; set stones; concho belts, bracelets, necklaces. Son of Roger Skeet, Sr. (1900–1959) and brother of Anderson Skeets. Marks: Roger Skeet, Jr (mark in mid-1950s; first example is a busted stamp); 42 R; RS" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 291.

Schaaf also lists Roger Skeet Jr. (name listing only, no additional biographical detail legible in the source scan).

Roger Skeet Jr. provided a key oral-history interview (reported by Bahti, 2007) clarifying that Ambrose Lincoln and Ambrose Roanhorse were two distinct contemporaries — both known to Roger Skeet Jr. and to Skeet's father (Roger Skeet Sr.). This interview is cited twice in Hougart (pp. 187, 268).

What is known

  • Born: 1933
  • Nation: Navajo
  • Father: Roger Skeet Sr. (1900–1959)
  • Brother: Anderson Skeets (1954–; also a documented silversmith — Mark: A stylized; ANDERSON SKEETS)
  • Techniques: traditional styles; stamp work; chisel; repousse; set stones; concho belts, bracelets, necklaces
  • Marks: Roger Skeet, Jr (mid-1950s, busted stamp); 42 R; RS
  • Oral-history source: interview cited by Bahti, 2007

Know more about Roger? Let us know.

References

  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), pp. 187, 268, 291.
  • Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies. (2003) — Roger Skeet Jr. listed.
  • Adair, John. The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths. (1944), p. 240 — Roger Skeet (Sr.) index listing.
  • Rosnek, Carl, and Joseph Stacey. Skystone and Silver. (1976) — bracelet by Roger Skeet referenced (probable Sr.).

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.