Begay, Kenneth

(Navajo, 1913-1977). A student of Fred Peshlakai at Fort Wingate. He is now considered to be the father of modern Navajo silversmithing, and one of the most technically proficient silversmiths ever to work in the Southwest. His most prolific period was from 1948 to 1962, when he was a bench smith at the White Hogan in Scottsdale along with his cousins Allen, George and Ivan Kee. The Kees and Begay are credited with simplifying the designs of Navajo silverwork, and bringing it into the modern age. They also popularized the use of ironwood in silver.