Kenneth Begay Signed Navajo Sterling Silver Cigarette Box White Hogan Vintage

  • Authentic Kenneth Begay silver cigarette box
  • Handmade and signed by Kenneth Begay, master Navajo silversmith
  • Produced at the White Hogan studio in Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Features a clean, elegant design based on streamlined shapes that were repeated to form balanced and harmonious patterns; a style that has been compared to Navajo weaving
  • Expected date of creation: 1950's
  • Size: 117 x 78 x 30 millimeters  
  • Metal: 0.925 sterling silver
  • Hallmarks: [White Hogan mark] KB STERLING HANDMADE ORIGINAL DESIGN
  • Weight: 303 grams (0.66 lbs)
  • Condition: Good vintage condition; many scratches visible on the exterior of the box; signs of use on interior of box as well
  • This item has not been cleaned or polished; original vintage patina

"I see the designs on potsherds and on Navajo rugs. I dream about designs at night and then write them down and use them." -Kenneth Begay

Kenneth Begay (1913-1977) was called the "father of modern Navajo jewelry" for his clean, bold, modern designs. But he also exemplifies the long history and continuity of Navajo jewelry-making: Begay studied under Fred Peshlakai, who had been taught by his father, Slender Maker of Silver, who was trained by Atsidi Chon, one of the earliest Navajo silversmiths. Begay in turn taught many others including his son, Harvey, now a renown jeweler. Tho deeply rooted in traditional jewlery-making techniques, Begay's work was so innovative that it was rejected from a 1949 exhibition of Native art as too radical. Although he used and taught the old techniques, Begay explained near the end of his life, "I like to create something new and still use the old Navajo design style."

The White Hogan is a world famous jewelry studio and maker of fine Navajo jewelry and arts and crafts. Their silversmiths are world renowned. many members from their stable of past artisans are not only world famous but have had lasting documented impact in the world of modern Navajo and Native American jewelry design. The first silversmiths featured by the White Hogan include Kenneth Begay, and his cousins: Allen Kee, George Kee and Ivan Kee; all of whom are now icons of Navajo jewelry design. The White Hogan studio was in business from 1946 until they closed their doors in 2006.


*Weights and measurements are approximate.


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Reference Item # A04141401C
JBC 4/18/14