In Memoriam

Jesse Monongye (Navajo (Diné)) 1952-2024

Widely recognized as one of the greatest jewelers of his generation, Navajo artist Jesse Monongye, known for his masterful use of stones and inlay, died August 6, 2024, in Phoenix. He was 71 years old.

Jesse Monongya (Navajo (Diné)) in Monument Valley, Arizona. Photo by Denise Kang. Courtesy PBS.

A colorful figure, who had a big personality and often wore a cowboy hat to shows, Monongye is revered by many jewelers for his unequaled inlay work, which was so tight and complex that the artist could replicate the stars in the night sky and create complex scenes in a menagerie of colorful stones on the side of a bracelet, into a pendant or on a bolo or belt buckle. His stones, some barely bigger than the head of a pin, required delicate hands and an exact eye, which is reflected in his stunning works, some of which have sold for six figures in private sales and auctions.

Jesse Monongye (Navajo (Diné)), Monument Valley Buckle, 2009. Photo by Denise Kang. Courtesy PBS.

Monongye was born in Phoenix in 1952, but was later abandoned near the Grand Canyon, according to an obituary released by his family. After a search for his parents, both presumed dead, he was adopted and raised in Two Grey Hills, New Mexico. “Jesse appreciated his upbringing by traditional Navajos instilling great work ethic, discipline and spirituality,” his obituary notes. Monongye, who also spelled his name as Monongya, later joined the Marines and served for 18 months in Vietnam. After his service was over, he enlisted the help of a Navajo FBI agent to locate his father. The search was successful and Monongye was united with his father, Hopi silversmith Preston Monongye, who taught him how to make jewelry.

His rise through the ranks was swift. Not only were his works collected at the highest levels, and selling for huge numbers, but they were also sought after by many famous people, including John D. Rockefeller, Senator Barry Goldwater, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner and many others. He also won countless awards at many of the shows, markets and fairs where he exhibited his work. Recently his work was featured on PBS’ Craft in America program, which was shown nationally. Today his pieces are in major collections around the world, including at the Heard Museum in his hometown of Phoenix. After his death was reported, the Heard celebrated his work online. “Jesse Monongya...was renowned for his night-sky designs and intricate inlay work,” the museum wrote. “Inspired by his grandmother’s teachings and his dream-driven path, Monongya became a celebrated artist with numerous awards, including Best of Show at Santa Fe Indian Market. His contributions to the Heard Museum and his legacy in Native American jewelry continue to be deeply valued.”

Jesse Monongye (Navajo (Diné)), Monument Valley Bolo Tie and Buckle. Photo courtesy the artist / David Orr Photography. Courtesy PBS.

His family writes that the artist will be missed in many art communities where he was active. “Jesse will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, charisma and iconic black Stetson cowboy hat with an eagle feather,” they wrote. “His witty humor, captivating storytelling, and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all those who have met him.”

Navajo jewelry artist Jesse Monongye in his Scottsdale, Arizona, studio. Photo by Denise Kang. Courtesy PBS.

For those who wish to support causes celebrated by the artist, the family has encouraged donations be made to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) that fights for Missing Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).