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Leo Coriz — Kewa Silversmith

Overview

(Santiago) Leo Coriz (1913 or 1914–1997; Kewa Pueblo) was one of the foundational figures in Kewa silversmithing, active from the 1930s through the mid-1990s. He worked in cast work, silver, brass, hand-wrought jewelry, overlay, nugget work, and coral. He studied at the Santa Fe Indian School under Ambrose Roanhorse in 1931–1932 — placing him in the landmark cohort of early SFIS-trained silversmiths who went on to define 20th-century Pueblo and Navajo silversmithing traditions.

He is the father of Mary C. Lovato (born 1936; Kewa), and grandfather of Anthony and Harold Lovato — both of whom are documented silversmiths in their own right. His lineage connects directly to the broader Kewa Lovato family. The Hougart entry at approximately line 12166 is well-sourced with court references (Batkin, 2008 cited twice).

His marks are **LEO CORIZ** and a cursive-form variant documented in Hougart.

The Mark

"(Santiago) Leo Coriz (1913 or 1914–1997; Kewa). Active since 1930s. Cast work; silver, brass; hand wrought jewelry; overlay; nugget work; coral. Father of Mary C. Lovato. Grandfather of Anthony and Harold Lovato. Studied at the Santa Fe Indian School with Ambrose Roanhorse 1931–1932. Multiple award winner. Marks: LEO CORIZ; [cursive variant]"
— Hougart, Bille. *Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks*, 5th ed. (2022), approx. p. ~12166.

Primary marks: **LEO CORIZ** (stamped text); also a cursive/script variant documented in Hougart at the same entry.

Family Links

Father of Mary C. Lovato (1936–; Kewa) — see Lovato family entries
Grandfather of Anthony Lovato and Harold Lovato (both Kewa silversmiths)
Studied under Ambrose Roanhorse (SFIS, 1931–1932) — see Ambrose Roanhorse
Part of the Kewa/Coriz family silversmithing lineage; related entries include Kevin Coriz (KR Z mark), Lorenzo Coriz (father of Aaron), Matthew Coriz (MATT C.), and Rodney Coriz

References

Hougart, Bille. *Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks*, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Entry approx. p. ~12166.
Batkin (2008) — cited twice in Hougart for this entry.

Know more about Leo Coriz or the Kewa Coriz silversmithing family? Contact T.Skies.