NORBERT PESHLAKAI (Navajo, b. 1953)

Norbert Peshlakai, born in Ft. Defiance, Arizona, in 1953, draws inspiration from his Navajo heritage. His craftsmanship has made Peshlakai a respected figure in contemporary Native American jewelry. Peshlakai (meaning “silver” in Navajo) is a fourth-generation silversmith known for his innovative creations that blend traditional silversmithing techniques with modern artistic expressions.

Peshlakai’s exploration of jewelry making took place while studying painting at the University of Kansas. Soon enough, his love of painting took a backseat to his love of working with his hands. Always looking to further his skill, in 1977, he began exploring new forms by crafting miniature silver pots and jars resembling pottery. Peshlakai employs various methods to achieve unique textures, including sandpaper, emery paper, steel wool, and striking silver against rocks. The jeweler says of his work, “I like to get a lot of textures going on in the same piece. I like the idea of something looking like it’s beat up all over, sort of bumpy and rough, not a high polished look, but something more unfinished and earthy.”

Peshlakai applied his exceptional stamp work to his jewelry as well. He has developed stamps and dies that he uses to create patterns. Peshlakai may begin with one stamp, adding another until he has a figure. He might use six or seven stamps to form a single motif. Peshlakai also embraces oxidation and hand polishes his creations to achieve a textured, unfinished, and earthy appearance. His work showcases many textures within a single piece, reflecting his artistic vision. He has won numerous awards for his creative use of stamp work. 

Visit our Native American Collection page to see jewelry from our inventory of exquisite Native American jewelry and purchase the catalog Material Beauty: Modern Hopi, Navajo, and Pueblo Artist Jewelers, which accompanied our 2018 exhibition here.