Susie James — Navajo/Diné Silversmith
Susie James (1954–2012) was a Navajo silversmith active since the 1990s. The Hougart record documents her work in traditional stamp work, set stones, and hollowware — the last technique being relatively unusual and indicating a higher level of fabrication skill, as hollowware requires forming closed three-dimensional silver forms rather than flat or wire-based constructions.
She was the daughter of Marcella James, establishing a family connection within the Navajo silversmithing tradition. Her mark is notably spelled with a "Z" — SUZIE JAMES — rather than the conventional "S" spelling of her name.
The Mark
""SUZIE JAMES (with a 'Z')" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022)."
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The full name stamp reads SUZIE JAMES. The "Z" spelling is specifically noted by Hougart as a distinguishing feature of the mark, important for authentication.
Know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies.
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 191) recorded Susie James as Navajo, active from about 1990 in traditional stampwork, set stone jewelry and boxes, living in Gallup as of 2003, a daughter of Marcella James, making boxes, bracelets and concha belts with conchas and scallops as favorite designs, sold through Yazzie's Indian Art in Gallup. [1]
Field Notes by Mateo James
I notice the books spell her stamp differently. Hougart, followed on this page, records SUZIE JAMES with a Z, while Schaaf's 2003 entry prints her stamp as Susie James. Both may have been used; I show each as printed rather than treat the Z alone as proof.
Sources
- 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.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come. © Turquoise Skies Inc.