Free Online Artist Talk – Jewelry of the Southwest: Evolution of Southwest Jewelry-Design and Influences-Synopsis and Metaphors of the Past and Present with Duane Maktima (Hopi/Laguna Pueblo)

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk

Jewelry of the Southwest: Evolution of Southwest Jewelry-Design and Influences-Synopsis and Metaphors of the Past and Present with Duane Maktima (Hopi/Laguna Pueblo)

Saturday, May 28, 2022, 11:00 am Arizona Time

Like most contemporary Puebloan Artisans, I live in two worlds. As a Designer Craftsman I have often wondered, what are the phenomenal influences and passions for both the craftsmen and consumer when it comes to the creation of Southwestern Native-influenced jewelry? This legacy has been passed on from time immemorial and holds significant purpose. Yet like other material objects, it can be exploited and become an industry.  As a contemporary Artist-Designer-Craftsman, I will share my perspective formed through my experiences and Puebloan heritage, exploring what this cultural art form represents to the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. The “Indian Jewelry” look has seemed to become a typical “look,” a representational “given” of the Southwestern Native Peoples, and one of its most stereotypical art forms. In histories, it was something of unique spiritual value and purpose, both in trade and identity of the ancient peoples. During the presentation I will share my views on this subject, hoping to bring awareness and appreciation to this legacy that many Native Peoples who live in a Two World moment of time, hold as a spiritual gift and blessing. This progression through the evolution of materials, such as precious metals and stones, is the ultimate testimony that the “Creative Spirit of our Ancestors” lives on through our hands.  Most of all it is another testimony of Indigenous survival to sustain our integrity to be sovereign and culturally sound, in a world of which is moving too fast for its own good.

Duane Maktima is master jeweler-metalsmith who is a graduate of Northern Arizona University’s College of Creative Arts. Duane is an award winning jeweler with nearly 40 years as a working artist. In addition to selling in the best galleries, his pieces are held by several museums, including Amerind’s.

This online program is free, but space is limited. To register visit: https://bit.ly/AmerindOnline052822