Dennis Edaakie — Zuni Silversmith

Name-card placeholder — hallmark imagery to follow.

Zuni · documented in the T.Skies hallmark reference library

Dennis Edaakie (1931–2008) was a Zuni silversmith active since the 1960s, recognized as a master of Zuni inlay. He worked in channel inlay combined with mosaic inlay, frequently incorporating cardinal bird imagery. He shared his stamps with his wife Nancy Edaakie, who performed most of the inlay work. He was a multiple award winner and sold some work through R. L. Wallace. He was the son of Merle Edaakie; his grandson is T. D. Edaakie.

Dennis Edaakie is part of the Edaakie silversmithing family. His father Anthony Edaakie (1927–1989) also worked in inlay and is separately documented in this directory. His son Dale (Myron) Edaakie (1957–; Zuni) works in mosaic inlay. Sons Derrick and Sanford Edaakie are also named in the Hougart record.

Channel inlay uses silver walls (channels) to separate and hold cut stones in geometric or figural patterns. Mosaic inlay sets stones flush against each other with minimal silver visible, creating a denser surface.

The Mark

"Parrot beak (1960s); DENNIS E." — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).

Multiple mark forms recorded across his career: an early parrot-beak stamp used in the 1960s, and the text mark DENNIS E. Stamps were shared with wife Nancy Edaakie.

References

Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Approx. p. ~13813.

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