“I see the designs on potsherds and on Navajo rugs. I dream about designs at night and then write them down and use them.”
—Kenneth Begay, Navajo artist

Kenneth Begay (1913-1977) was called the “father of modern Navajo jewelry” for his clean, bold, modern designs. But he also exemplifies the long history and continuity of Navajo jewelry-making: Begay studied under Fred Peshlakai, who had been taught by his father, Slender Maker of Silver, who was trained by Atsidi Chon, one of the earliest Navajo silversmiths. Begay in turn taught many others including his son, Harvey, now a renowned jeweler.

Though deeply rooted in traditional jewelry-making techniques, Begay’s work was so innovative that it was rejected from a 1949 exhibition of Native art as too radical. Although he used and taught the old techniques, Begay explained near the end of his life, “I like to create something new and still use the old Navajo design style.”

Source:  amnh.org