Preston Monongye (1927-1987). A master artisan adopted by the Monongye family in Hopi. Through-out his long career, he became an accomplished wood carver and painter.
After he turned to silver design, he won numerous awards for his "new Indian art" designs. He is one of the major innovator's of Modern Indian jewelry design. "Like Loloma, the 'Monongye style' is widely imitated."
He was a master of tufa casting who preferred to work with silver while collaborating with others on inlay and on stonework. His tufa casting skills were perfected after consulting with caster Sedalio F. Lovato. Stone and inlay collaborators include Lee Yazzie and Monongye's son, Jesse.
Monongye taught silversmithing at the Phoenix Indian Center in the mid-1970s.
Thise pendant measures 1.25" in diameter. The hook bail can be pulled to be installed on a chain or necklace. This spectacular collector's brooch, is in excellent condition. It's cast in solid sterling silver. Signed by Preston Monongye, wit his hallmark, used c. the late 1950s-1960s. Its total weight is 11g.
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