Native American Jewelry Squash Blossom Necklaces by Jimmie R. Yazzie, currently being featured at the American Indian Smithsonian in NYC The Yazzie Family.
Jimmie R.Yazzie was born in the family Hogan south of Gallup, New Mexico on November 22, 1944 to Chee and Elsie Yazzie. Jimmie has five brothers and five sisters.
As a young boy, Jimmie learned to silversmith from his father, who was very strict on the way to do the job.
Jimmie left for Intermountain Indian School from 1959-1962. Jimmie returned to Gallup, New Mexico and married his wife Imogene and raised a family.
Jimmie worked as a auto mechanic and silversmith from 1962 – 1982 and then he worked in the Uranium and Coal Mines until 2007. After retirement he returned to his natural talent of silversmithing.
Jimmie’s family launched a Yazzie Family show in New York City’s American Indian Smithsonian called Glittering World where his family is highlighted for their jewelry. There is also a book published in association with the exhibit.
His picture is in the book several times.
*Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, “Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family” November 13, 2014–January 10, 2016 New York, NY. Web. 12/2/2014.
Jimmie and Nova traveled to New York for the kickoff of this exhibit where he participated in GALAs and book signings.
He currently has one Kingman Turquoise Squash Blossom for sale at the NYC Gallery Store.
