Craft in America, PBS’ award-winning series examining creativity in America, will be highlighting the work of Navajo-Hopi jeweler Jesse Monongya, whose inlay jewelry has been collected at the highest levels. The jewelry episode, in which Monongya and several other artists are featured, will air December 10 on PBS stations, as well as on PBS’ video app.
Navajo/Hopi jewelry artist Jesse Monongya in his Scottsdale, Arizona studio. Photo: Denise Kang.Monongya is the last featured artist in the episode and he’s shown around his hometown near Kayenta on the Navajo Reservation in Northern Arizona. He’s also shown giving a brief tour near the famous Toadlena Trading Post and working on inlay in his studio. In one brief sequence, Monongya playfully chats with his stones. “Who wants to be together for the rest of your lives?” he asks as he joins two stones together. He also spends time discussing his use of color.
Monument Valley Buckle, 2009. Photo: Denise Kang.
“The four directions of colors were brought to us by our great-grandfathers. When you face the east to pray, that’s the yellow. You go to the south, that’s when you see the darker greens,” he says. “To the north is where the gifts are given so there are dark colors. To the west you do a lot of reddish colors because the sun is going down. The Navajos always use these colors, and that’s what I have in mind when I do my pieces.”
A pair of bracelets with intricate inlay.
Matching Monument Valley buckle and bolo
Bear necklaces with stone inlay
In addition to glimpses inside the artist’s studio, numerous pieces of his jewelry are shown, including two bear pendants that were published in the April 1979 issue of Arizona Highways. It was his appearance in the issue that helped make Monongya a revered and highly sought-after jeweler. Today his works command huge prices, and his booths at art markets are always packed full of visitors who come to view and purchase his work.
For more information about the episode and the series, visit www.craftinamerica.org/episode/jewelry.
Navajo/Hopi jewelry artist Jesse Monongya in Monument Valley, Arizona. Photo: Denise Kang.
Powered by Froala Editor
