Wilson Jim — Navajo/Diné Silversmith
Wilson Jim (born 1949) is a Navajo silversmith active since the 1960s. The Hougart record documents his work in retro style, stone sets, stamp work, jewelry, bridles, and concho belts — a range that extends beyond standard jewelry into leatherwork and equestrian pieces. He is the brother of fellow Navajo silversmith Thomas Jim.
His work is associated with the Rocking Horse Ranch stamp, which may appear in conjunction with his personal mark, suggesting a commercial or workshop affiliation at some point in his career.
See also: Thomas Jim (brother; documented separately in Hougart).
The Mark
""W. J.; W. JIM (sometimes with the Rocking Horse Ranch stamp)" — 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).
Two mark forms are recorded: the abbreviated W. J. and the fuller W. JIM. Either may appear in combination with the Rocking Horse Ranch stamp.
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From the Library: Jacka, Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone (1995)
1995 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1995, not today.
Fidel Bahe told Jacka (1995, p. 59) that he learned from Wilson Jim, a traditional silversmith, who taught him always to take care of his tools. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 193) recorded Wilson Jim as Navajo, born in 1949 near Jeddito Trading Post, active from about 1969 in traditional silver jewelry and bridles, educated at the Santa Fe Indian School, a grandson of Bedoni and brother of Thomas Jim, with a 1964 New Mexico State Fair award and Indian Market prizes in 1990 and 1998. [3]
Schaaf (2003) wrote that he
“then worked for several years at the Rocking Horse Silver Shop”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 193 [3]
Schaaf (2003) added:
“Wilson Jim is a 5th generation Navajo jeweler.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 193 [3]
Sources
- Jacka, Lois Essary. Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone. Photographs by Jerry Jacka. Flagstaff: Northland Publishing, 1995. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1995.
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- 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.