Collection: Philbert Poseyesva

Philbert lives in the village of Kykotsmovi on the Hopi reservation. Educated on the Hopi reservation, he has worked in a wide range of jobs, including construction, diesel mechanics and city planning. At 13, he learned his craft from the well-known Hopi silversmith Glen Lucas, and in 1973 went independent and began silverwork. After returning to the Hopi village, he also devoted himself to Hopi government work and ceremonies.

His jewelry uses traditional motifs, with brightly colored stones such as Lone Mountain turquoise, lapis and Mediterranean coral. He only ever uses high-quality stones and never compromises. Recently he has also been making jewelry combined with gold. He always draws his designs freehand directly onto the silver and finishes them with tools he made himself.

He has won awards at many arts and crafts shows, including the Indian Market and the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, and counts many celebrities among his customers, making him one of the best-known Hopi silversmiths. The wife of former Vice President Gore also owns Philbert's work (timing unknown). The piece she owns is jewelry featured on page 4 of “HOPI SILVER The History and Hallmarks of Hopi Silversmithing” by Margaret Nickelson Wright.