Fermin Hawee — Hopi Silversmith

Name-card placeholder — hallmark imagery to follow.

Hopi · documented in the T.Skies hallmark reference library

Fermin Hawee is a Hopi silversmith active since the 1990s, working in overlay. He is the son of Billy Ray Hawee.

Overlay is the defining Hopi silversmithing technique, in which a design is cut through a top silver sheet and soldered onto a darkened backing, creating a two-tone relief. The Hopi Guild mark, which may accompany his work, certifies Guild membership and authenticates the piece as traditionally produced.

The Mark

"Rabbit track; may have Hopi Guild mark" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).

The primary mark is a rabbit track pictorial stamp. A Hopi Guild mark may also appear on some pieces. The rabbit track is a recurring motif among Hopi silversmiths, representing clan or design affiliation.

References

Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Approx. p. ~15706.

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