Tonya June Rafael
Tonya June Rafael's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Overview
Tonya June Rafael (born 1968) is a Navajo artist active since 2001, making jewelry and purses — row bracelets and cluster work in traditional and modern designs, with set and multiple stones. She is an award-winning artist and the niece of Frank Yellowhorse.
She learned silversmithing from her grandparents, Mary and Tom Rafael. Her marks track her career: TJR before 2002; 'Tonya J Rafael' in script since 2002; and NAVAJO, which may appear on an attached tag — the version with © is the latest.
The Mark
"Tonya June Rafael (1968-; Navajo). Active since 2001. Jewelry, purses. Row bracelets. Cluster work; traditional and modern designs; set stones; multiple stones. Award-winning artist. Niece of Frank Yellowhorse. Learned silver smithing from her grandparents, Mary and Tom Rafael. Marks: TJR (before 2002); Tonya J Rafael (script; since 2002); NAVAJO (may be on an attached tag); the version with © is the latest"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The mark as documented in the Hougart corpus: TJR (before 2002); Tonya J Rafael (script; since 2002); NAVAJO (may be on an attached tag); the version with © is the latest.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022.
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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.