Philander Bryan Begay — Navajo Silversmith
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Philander Bryan Begay — Navajo Silversmith
Overview
Philander Bryan Begay (1982–; Navajo) has been active since at least the 2000s, working in tufa casting, multiple materials, silver, gold, channel inlay, inside stamping, and sculptural forms — including mud head (kachina-related) and tortoise designs, frog inlay designs, bracelets, and rings. He is a multiple award winner who collaborates with his wife, Shanibah Begay, and is the father of Isiah Begay.
He collaborates with his son Isiah Begay on some pieces, marked with the joint stamp **1MB PBS**. His own marks include **P** (simple initial stamp); **PBS .92S** (which may be stamped or part of the cast); and **Philander B. Begay** (script, as part of the cast). The X04 directory entry for Isiah Begay noted a "collab mark with father Philander" — this is the **1MB PBS** mark.
The Mark
"Philander Bryan Begay (1982–; Navajo). Tufa casting; multiple materials; silver, gold, channel inlay, inside stamping; mud head, tortoise designs; frog inlay designs; bracelets, rings. Collaborates with his wife, Shanibah Begay. Father of Isiah Begay. Multiple award winner. Marks: P; PBS .92S (the mark may be stamped or part of the cast); 1MB PBS (collaboration with Isiah Begay); Philander B. Begay (script, as part of the cast)"
— Hougart, Bille. *Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks*, 5th ed. (2022), approx. p. ~8983.
Marks: **P** (initial); **PBS .92S** (stamped or cast); **1MB PBS** (collaboration with Isiah Begay); **Philander B. Begay** (script cast). Attribution note: the **1MB PBS** mark distinguishes collaborative father–son pieces.
Family Links
- Father of Isiah Begay (Navajo; tufa casting, collaboration mark 1MB PBS) — see Isiah Begay
- Husband of Shanibah Begay (Navajo; cast work, set stones, textured surfaces; mark: shared with Philander)
- Part of the extended Begay Navajo silversmithing lineage — the Begay family is the most numerous named group in Hougart
References
- Hougart, Bille. *Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks*, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Entry approx. p. ~8983.
Know more about Philander Bryan Begay or Navajo tufa casting silversmithing? Contact T.Skies.