Virginia and Wayne Quam — Zuni Silversmiths
Virginia and Wayne Quam are a Zuni couple who make raised mosaic inlay jewelry together. Bille Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks lists Virginia Quam as Zuni, born 1927, working in raised mosaic inlay, mosaic inlay beads and nugget sets with coral, and Wayne Quam as Zuni, working in raised mosaic inlay in silver and gold; the two share a stamp (Hougart 2022, p. 259). Hougart names Wayne as the son of Alice Quam (Hougart 2022, p. 259).
Nancy N. Schiffer's Turquoise Jewelry shows an oval stone inlay buckle made around 1989 by Wayne and Virginia Quam, Zuni (Schiffer 2008, p. 52). Theda and Michael Bassman's Zuni Jewelry lists the two among the makers of a group of inlay, raised inlay, channel inlay and needlepoint watch tips made in 1991 (Bassman and Bassman 2006, pp. 38–39).
Their hallmark
Hougart gives the shared mark W. & V. QUAM ZUNI, and V. QUAM for Virginia (Hougart 2022, p. 259).
Own a piece with this mark, or know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks: Silversmiths, Designers, Guilds and Traders. 5th edition. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Schiffer, Nancy N. Turquoise Jewelry. Revised 4th edition. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2008.
- Bassman, Theda, and Michael Bassman. Zuni Jewelry. Photographs by Gene Balzer. Revised and expanded 3rd edition. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2006.
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.