J1750 Robert Chee
Sterling silver naja with an Egyptian cabochon. The 2 1/4” x 2 1/2” naja is shown on Navajo pearls, sold seperately.
Egyptian turquoise is found in sandstone that was originally overlain by basalt. Copper and iron workings are present in the area. Large-scale turquoise mining is not profitable today, but the deposits are sporadically quarried by Bedouin peoples using homemade gunpowder. In the rainy winter months, miners face a risk from flash flooding; even in the dry season, death from the collapse of the haphazardly exploited sandstone mine walls is not unheard of. The color of Sinai material is typically greener than Iranian material, but is thought to be stable and fairly durable. Often referred to as Egyptian turquoise, Sinai material is typically the most translucent, and under magnification its surface structure is revealed to be peppered with dark blue discs not seen in material from other localities.
Robert Chee is a Navajo from the famous Manuelito Trading Post, New Mexico area where much of the finest Navajo rug weaving is done. Robert specializes in traditional jewelry, and he excels in silver casting and stamp work.
About the artist
Robert Chee
Robert Chee is a Navajo from the famous Manuelito Trading Post, New Mexico area where much of the finest Navajo rug weaving is done. Robert specializes in traditional jewelry, and he excels in silver casting and stamp work. Chee has been silversmithing for over 35 years practicing both contemporary and traditional art. He comes from a long line of very successful silversmiths and many of the tools and lead molds he uses today have been handed down to him from many generations ago.
Robert’s father worked for the trading post as a silversmith, the old Mike Kirk Trading Post. He has fond memories of growing up there, lots of hiking in the mountains, arroyos, and they would also ride horses.
He is related to famous Navajo jeweler Harry Morgan, his first cousin, with whom he apprenticed. They grew up together living under the same roof, and in the early days they lived in a hogan. Their mothers were sisters. Robert Chee is not as well-known as his cousin, master silversmith Harry Morgan. The Navajo are a matriarchal society, and he had a strong upbringing in the traditional ways especially due to having 2 mothers.
He was born in 1952 at home. There were 10 children in the family, and Robert was Number 9! Two of his siblings have now passed on. He has two children of his own, but they are not interested in silversmithing. In his spare time, Robert enjoys works around the house, old cars, and spending time with his grandchildren.
