(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.
(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.
Available works:
GH/190
Ex-Geraldine Howard collection. A typically clean and beautiful piece by the great master Kenneth Begay. Hallmarked, and marked with the White Hogan mark as well, which dates it to between 1948 and 1964. Size 7 ½ (can be sized), weight 11 grams, face measures 1 3/16” high.
B 3440
A classic design by the great master. Hallmarked, and marked with the White Hogan mark. Inside size 5 3/8” with a 7/8” opening (can be adjusted), weight 28 grams.
GH 199
A truly great ring, made by Begay after he left the White Hogan in Scottsdale, AZ and was working on his own. Ex-Geraldine Howard collection. Size 8 ½ (can be sized), face measures 1 1/4” high, weight 17 grams.
GH/176
A very distinctive belt, done in the “bar” style that was made famous by Kenneth Begay. Hallmarked. 32 1/4” long, weight 225 grams.
GH/65
Delicate-looking, but sturdy and gorgeous. Made while Begay was at the White Hogan in Scottsdale. Hallmarked. 5 7/8” high, total weight 25 grams.
GH 166
Ex-Geraldine Howard collection. Hallmarked, and marked with the White Hogan shop mark (where Begay worked from 1948 to 1964). Begay was photographed for ARIZONA HIGHWAYS magazine in the 1950s holding either this set or one exactly like it. Marvelous in construction and artistry. Each piece is 9” long, total weight 194 grams. Kenneth Begay (Navajo, 1913-1977) was 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.