Jesse Monongya

by Lois Sherr Dubin

"Lois Sherr Dubin reveals one of the finest Native American jewelers alive today. Jesse Monongya, of Navajo and Hopi heritage, is a world-renowned master of painterly inlay, whose work rivals that of the Renaissance goldsmiths. "There's a tactile sense to it. I think his jewelry also has much to do with sculpture," says one of his collectors. Monongya himself explains it as his birthright: "I grew up with beautiful songs and prayers. The way that I do things is not so much because I want to, but it was instilled in me, and that's the way it comes out."". "His jewelry is fully described here for the first time, in 175 striking color plates by acclaimed photographer Togashi, as inspired by the southwestern desert landscape and traditional teachings in which he was raised - the coral sunset shading into the lapis night, an opal moon and turquoise stars in a jet sky. Monongya combines authentic concepts from his culture with cutting-edge materials and techniques. The qualities that inform