Jesse Monongya: Opal Bears & Lapis Skies American Indian Master Jewelers

Description

The book is previously owned and is in fine condition. There are many color pictures with descriptions.

It details the life and career of Jesse Monongya, (1952 – 2024) a world-renowned master jeweler of Navajo and Hopi heritage. Jesse was the son of jeweler and painter Preston Monongye (Hopi, 1927 – 1987). His father was a Harvey era jewelry artist.

Jesse, drew on teachings of his grandmother and father and used the cosmology and colors of the traditions. He used Acoma jet, sugilite, coral, turquoise, ivory and precious & semi-precious stones, silver in his work.

He is celebrated for his inlay technique, which treats finely cut gemstones like paint on a canvas to create stunning imagery—such as the iconic southwestern desert landscape under night skies filled with opal moons and turquoise stars. He joined traditional Native American teachings with advanced contemporary materials and precision goldsmithing techniques, his creations rival the works of Renaissance masters.

By Lois Sherr Dubin