J1104 Lee Begay
Tufa cast Yei cuff by Navajo silversmith Lee Begay. The 7/8” sterling silver cuff has a Navajo Yei (Navajo Holy People) on one side of coral and turquoise cabochons, and a corn plant on the other side. The inside is 5 1/4” and a 1 3/8” gap.
Navajo silversmith Lee Begay learned the art of making jewelry from his brother Darryl Dean Begay. Philander Begay is his cousin. Lee is known for his traditional tufa cast jewelry, which is influenced by Navajo Ceremonials. He was born in 1970, and resides on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona.
About the artist
Lee Begay
Navajo silversmith Lee Begay was born February 9th, 1970 in Fort Defiance. He is the oldest of five children.
Lee learned the art of making jewelry from his brother Darryl Dean Begay. Lee lived in the Phoenix area for 18 years, and it was the inspiration of his well-known younger brother Darryl Dean to begin making tufa cast jewelry. He moved in with Darryl and Rebecca and they mentored him in the art of making jewelry.
Lee has become an amazing artist and his tufa casting is considered some of the best. He likes to do mostly traditional style, which is influenced by Navajo Ceremonials.
