Model: Juliana Brown Eyes | Photographer: Cara Romero
A member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, jewelry artist and designer Keri Ataumbi creates chic designs in the form of ruby necklaces, buffalo horn cuffs, porcupine hair earrings, turquoise rings and more. “I am interested in making work that communicates the philosophical continuums that are the backbone of our identities as Native American. I am also interested in the value systems that different cultures put upon materials and objects,” says Ataumbi.
“I believe adornment and fashion carry power. Even the simplest article of adornment, such as a scarf or a pair of earrings can create an opportunity for a connection between cultures that can serve to educate and encourage the common points of being human connected to this planet and each other through story, materials and beauty.”
Her recent Shield collection, with new designs underway, was inspired by wearing masks during the pandemic. “Traditionally shields carry medicine and protection, and I wanted to make pieces that allowed the wearer to take their medicine with them, a sort of protection amulet,” she says. Another recent collection was inspired by Kiowa beadwork and Southern Plains style metal work.
Ataumbi’s next collection in the works, called Dàumáuntòñ:, is inspired by the ocean. “I have recently begun to spend more time living on a boat at sea with several days offshore. I am seeing part of this planet that I never fully imagined. The ocean with its extraordinary power and beauty…I am using materials that I have found on my travels and will be incorporating a lot more color in the new collection.”
And be on the lookout for a “top secret” project the designer has been working on for the past year that is couture, not jewelry. “The project is solidly rooted in Cáuigui understanding of the world,” says Ataumbi, “but I hope the pieces will be engaging and attractive to non-Kiowas also.”
www.ataumbi.com
facebook: ataumbimetals | Instagram: @ataumbimetals
“I believe adornment and fashion carry power.”
- Keri Ataumbi
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