Ring depicting Mudhead Dancer
by Watson Honanie (1953-2023), Hopi Pueblo
sterling silver in the overlay technique
Size 12, 3” long x 1 1/5” wide
Hopi jeweler Watson Honanie was born into the Bear Clan in 1953. Watson was known for creating jewelry of gold and silver overlay portraying Hopi culture and ceremonial life.
At an early age, Watson was encouraged to create jewelry by two uncles, Porter Timeche and Fred Kabotie, who were associated with the Hopi Silvercraft Guild. "They gave me scraps of silver so I could make small pieces, mostly earrings," Honanie said. He learned the overlay technique from his brother Phillip, and worked at the Silvercraft Guild for about two years before venturing out on his own.
"In 1979, when the cost of silver got so high - $48 to $50 an ounce, I went back to using scraps, but not for making jewelry. I made small Kachinas, about four inches tall, using the lost wax process and the melted silver scraps. I made these miniature Kachinas for about a year, then returned to jewelry." Although he made jewelry since 1972, it was not until 1985 that he started to work with gold.
Some of his designs are adaptations from Pueblo pottery and Hopi Kachinas. His gorgeous concho belt of coral and gold and silver overlay was awarded First Place and Best of Division at the prestigious 1992 Sante Fe Indian Market.
Watson was a world renowned jeweler and prominent leader in the Hopi tribe, up until his death in November 2023.
