Roy Talaheftewa
Hopi · documented in the T.Skies hallmark reference library
Roy Talaheftewa (born 1955) is a Hopi silversmith active since the 1970s, working in overlay, tufa casting, overlay combined with inlay, and set stones. He produces concho belts and pieces featuring kachina and village scene motifs in silver and gold. He is the brother of Maynard Talaheftewa. He has been marked for Shades of the West. He is a multiple award winner, including Best-of-Show at the 1986 Indian Market.
Overlay is the foundational Hopi silverwork technique: a pierced top layer soldered onto a backing sheet, with the recessed areas oxidized dark for contrast.
The Mark
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Wright, Margaret Nickelson. Hopi Silver: The History and Hallmarks of Hopi Silversmithing. Revised edition. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2003. Originally published by Northland Publishing. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
- Bassman, Theda. The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry. Photography by Gene Balzer. Walnut, California: Kiva Publishing, 1993. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1993.
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From the Library: Wright, Hopi Silver (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
According to Wright (2003, p. 93), Roy Talaheftewa (spelled Talahaftewa in the table), of the Corn clan at Shungopavi, began silverwork in 1976 and learned from his brother Willie; Wright shows a mark labelled 'New Mark 1990'. [1]
From the Library: Bassman, The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry (1993)
1993 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1993, not today.
Bassman (1993, p. 20) pictured a bracelet with lapis lazuli, coral and pink coral and a pair of earrings with a rain and cloud design, both made in 1992 by Roy Talaheftewa. [2]
Bassman (1993) also pictured a necklace of his:
“Necklace with malachite and citirine stones made in 1990 by Roy Talaheftewa.”
— Bassman (1993), p. 21 [2]
Bassman (1993, p. 26) pictured a necklace and earrings with a water waves design, the necklace set with coral, made in 1990, and earrings of a Hopi Maiden and of a bear made in 1992, all by Roy Talaheftewa. [2]
Bassman (1993, p. 26) pictured earrings depicting a priest, made in 1992 by Roy Talaheftewa. [2]
Bassman (1993, p. 48) pictured a 14-carat gold link bracelet set with coral, lapis lazuli, turquoise and opal made in 1992 by Roy Talaheftewa. [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.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.