Ruben Saufkie — Hopi Silversmith

Biography by Mateo James

Name-card for Ruben Saufkie (Hopi)

Ruben Saufkie is a Hopi silversmith active since 1988. The Hougart record documents his work in tufa casting, stone sets, and overlay — three distinct technical approaches, ranging from the ancient casting method using volcanic tuff molds to the signature Hopi overlay technique.

Ruben Saufkie is the son of Paul Saufkie, Jr. and the grandson of Paul Saufkie — a significant lineage in Hopi silversmithing. Paul Saufkie (the grandfather) was among the founding generation of Hopi overlay silversmiths who developed the technique collaboratively with the Museum of Northern Arizona beginning in the late 1940s.

The Mark

“A rain cloud with lightning”

— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).

The hallmark is a pictographic stamp depicting a rain cloud with lightning — imagery deeply embedded in Hopi ceremonial and agricultural culture, where rain and storms carry profound symbolic meaning.

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References
  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.

From the Library: Wright, Hopi Silver (2003)

2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.

According to Wright (2003, p. 100), Ruben Saufkie, of the Water (Patki) clan at Shungopavi, began silverwork in 1988 and learned at the Guild; Wright lists him as the son of Paul Saufkie, Jr., and labels his mark 'Rain & Lightning'. [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. 30) pictured a ring with prayer feathers made by Ruben Saufkie, on a tray of rings all made in 1992. [2]

From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)

2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.

Schaaf (2003) entered him as

“Ruben Saufkie (hallmark - rain & lightning)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 280 [3]

Schaaf (2003, p. 280) recorded Ruben Saufkie as Hopi, born about 1960 and living at Shungopavi as of 2003, a son of Paul Saufkie, Jr. and Winnie Mae Saufkie, taught by the Hopi Silvercraft Cooperative Guild and Roy Talahaftewa. [3]

Sources

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.

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Name card shown; hallmark photo to come. © Turquoise Skies Inc.

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