Ivan Kee — Navajo Silversmith

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Ivan Kee (1936–1982; Navajo) was active from the 1940s until his death in 1982. He worked in cast and nugget work, jewelry, and hollowware. Ivan Kee was the brother of Allen Kee and George Kee, and the husband of Inez Kee. He was also the father of Edith Kee. During his career he worked at the White Hogan and for the Atkinson Trading Company — two of the major Southwestern retail venues that supported skilled Navajo silversmiths in the mid-twentieth century.

His wife Inez Kee (Navajo) shares the stamp with her husband. Their daughter Edith Kee (Navajo) was active since the late 1960s and worked in stamp work, various stones, pins, and crosses with marks E K; E; and K (sometimes).

For the broader Kee family tradition, see also Allen Kee (brother) and Anthony (Elmer) Kee (family).

"Ivan Kee (1936-1982; Navajo). Active 1940s-1982. Cast and nugget work; jewelry; hollowware. Brother of Allen and George Kee, and husband of Inez Kee. Father of Edith Kee. Worked at the White Hogan and for the Atkinson Trading" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), approx. p. ~17975.

The primary mark is I. KEE — an initial-and-surname stamp combining his first initial with the Kee family surname. His wife Inez Kee shares a I K stamp (their initials read as a shared household mark).

Know more about Ivan Kee or the Kee family silversmithing tradition? Contact T.Skies.