Mike Bird-Romero — Ohkay Owingeh Silversmith

Name-card placeholder — hallmark imagery to follow.

Mike Bird-Romero (Mike Bird) (1946–; Ohkay Owingeh, formerly known as San Juan Pueblo) works in hand-wrought and tufa-cast jewelry in silver and gold, with set stones including turquoise and coral. His work encompasses jewelry, service ware, purses, and spurs. Mike Bird-Romero was influenced early in his career by Julian Lovato and Mark Chee.

He moved away from the contemporary style promulgated by Charles Loloma and others, gravitating toward a classic style reflective of traditional imagery and stamp work. He is a multiple award winner at Santa Fe Indian Market. He is married to author Allison Bird (1949–2015).

Note on name: Hougart's entry uses "Mike Bird (Romero)" — the parenthetical indicating the full surname Bird-Romero. The candidate was flagged as "mike-bird" because mark-chee's page mentioned the Bird-Romero legacy; Hougart confirms the full canonical name is Mike Bird-Romero with Bird-Romero the preferred form in the silversmithing literature. This page is built under the Hougart documented form.

"Mike Bird (Romero) (1946-; Ohkay Owingeh, formerly known as San Juan Pueblo). Hand wrought; tufa casting; silver, gold; set stones, turquoise, coral; jewelry, service ware, purses, spurs. Mike Bird-Romero was influenced early by Julian Lovato and Mark Chee. He moved away from the contemporary style promulgated by Charles Loloma and others to a classic style reflective of traditional imagery and stamp work. Multiple award winner at Santa Fe Indian Market. Married to author Allison Bird (1949-2015). Mark: Marie Abird (one or two; may be on an attached tag)" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), approx. p. ~9692.

The mark recorded is Marie Abird (one or two elements; may appear on an attached tag). This mark variant — using a different first name — is noted by Hougart and may reflect a period or context-specific marking practice. The tag-attached mark is a format associated with Pueblo silversmithing where paper or metal tags supplement stamped marks.

Know more about Mike Bird-Romero or his traditional stamp-work style? Contact T.Skies.