Description
Allison Snowhawk Lee Navajo sterling lavender jade pendant. No damage, weight and measurements in pics. I have not tested the stone, but it looks like Lavender Jadeite, my stone tester isn‘t accessible due to time/space limitations. This artist typically only used the best materials.
Allison "Snowhawk" Lee (1958 - 2022) was an award-winning Navajo artist from Mexican Springs, New Mexico. He was the third oldest of eight (four brothers and three sisters). Allison lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his three sons, Wyatt, Kyle and Trent. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping with his family.
When there was a boom in Native American jewelry in the early seventies, Allisons mother and uncle started making Squash Blossoms. At the young age of 14, Allison was asked by his mother to make a silver ring with a turquoise stone. He made the ring well and so began his interest in jewelry making.
Allison graduated from Tohatchi High School, during the summers he worked at various silver shops in the Gallup area, where he perfected the methods of silversmithing from the top silversmiths in the shops.
Allison began competing in juried art shows back in 1988 and continued this tradition of competition throughout his life. He received many top awards, such as: Best of Division at the Santa Fe Indian Market, the George C. West Memorial Award for Excellence in Silver Jewelry which he won three years in a row.
Allison was asked to join in on making a piece for the millennium sampler concha belt along with twelve renowned Indian Market jewelers. He was very honored to be chosen to participate in this collaboration. The proceeds of this auction benefited the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA).
Allison was a highly skilled and respected silversmith, loved throughout the field of Native American jewelry. Sadly, Allison passed away in June of 2022. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in his sons‘ beautiful jewelry.
