Sam Roanhorse — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark

Name card for Sam Roanhorse — T.Skies Silversmith Directory

Name-card placeholder — hallmark imagery to follow.

Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library

Sam Roanhorse (1915 or 1916–1983; Navajo) was active throughout a long career. He was a student of his famous older brother, Ambrose Roanhorse. Like his brother, he changed his name from Roans to Roanhorse.

During his career, Sam Roanhorse worked for Southwest Arts and Crafts, White Hogan shop, Fred Wilson's Indian Trading Post, Miller Curio, Clay Lockets, and Zuni House (Tucson, AZ). He was a well-regarded figure in the Navajo silversmithing tradition, connected to the same institutional network his brother Ambrose helped establish.

The Hougart record notes he may be marked for Fred Wilson's Indian Trading Post or Zuni House, as well as with his personal mark.

The mark

"S R [and shop marks for Fred Wilson's Indian Trading Post and Zuni House]"

The personal mark is recorded as SR. Work may also carry the marks of the trading posts he worked for.

References

Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Entry approx. p. ~24810.

Know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies. See also: Ambrose Roanhorse (brother and teacher).