Lawrence Saufkie, Hopi Bear bolo tie
Lawrence Saufkie
1935-2011
Hopi
Medium Specific
Sterling Silver
Classification
Jewelry
Dimensions
2 x 1 1/2 x 3/8 in. (5.1 x 3.8 x 1 cm)
Accession Number
2017.35.45.43
Credit
Gift of Masuoka Family
Memo / Artist Statement
Hopi, Bear Clan. Active ca.1947-present: silver overlay, set stones jewelry; texitiles, musical instruments. Shungopavi Pueblo, Second Mesa, AZ. Lawrence Saufkie is a top prize-winning jeweler. He began making jewelry in 1947 at the age of 12, when his father, Paul Saufkie, Sr., reportedly caught young Lawrence playing with his tools. Paul first taught Lawrence how to make copper buttons which he sold at six for $1.50. By 1949, he was selling his jewelry at the Inter-trikbal Indian Cermonial in Gallup. Today, his work is highly sought after by major collectors, such as the Peabody Museum at Harvard University. Lawrence became serious about jewelry making after his marriage to Griselda Nuvamsa. They collaborated on some pieces, but also worked as individual artists. Their work grew in quality and refinement. They have won many prizes. In 1962, Lawrence became the first Hopi silversmith to win an award at Indian Market in Santa Fe.
(Schaaf 2003: 280)
(Schaaf 2003: 280)
Biography
(Born circa 1935-2011) Lawrence Saufkie was taught to make jewelry by his father, Paul Saufkie. Lawrence in turn has taught many other Hopi artisans. Saufkie's numerous awards date from 1962. He was designed an Arizona Living Treasure in 2002. Collections including his work: Peabody Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass as well as the Heard Museum and the Museum of Northern Arizona. His work has been reproduced in every definitive book focused on Hopi jewelers. Lawrence Saufkie's hallmark has been the bear, adding the name "Saufkie" in Gothic print in later years.
(https://savvycollector.com/artists/748-lawrence-saufkie; May 2020).
(https://savvycollector.com/artists/748-lawrence-saufkie; May 2020).
Date of Bio
Inscription
Saufkie, sterling, bear hallmark