Philander Begay

Philander Begay Candelaria Spiderweb Turquoise Tufa Cast 18K Gold and Sterling Silver Horny Toad Bracelet Inner Circumference of Bracelet: 5-1/4 in. Bracelet Gap Size: 1 in. Bracelet Width From Center:...

Philander Begay Bisbee Turquoise Tufa Cast Sterling Silver Spider Ring Ring Size: 8  Stone Size: 3/16 in. x 3/16 in. Ring Face Length: 1 in. This piece can be re-sized...

Philander carved a tufa stone on both sides to create the heavy shank for this beautiful one of a kind piece. The shank celebrates the Pueblo and corn crops that...

Phil’s fine lapidary work shines atop his wide tufa cast bracelet shank. He inlays gorgeous bubble cut cabochons of gem grade natural oxblood coral as the dominant color. Gems of...

This is Phil and Shanibah’s corn cob design bracelet. The shank design was laboriously hand carved into a tufa stone then cast. It is remarkable how uniform the squares in...

Deeply carved into a thick tufa stone, a dark mysterious Navajo deity emerges from the underworld in this heavy bracelet. Philander perfectly captures the essence of the Yeibechai in this incredible piece. Made from multiple layers of sterling silver, the bracelet is as heavy as the subject it portrays. An entire Yei is created. He dances holding rattles, a fox fur hanging down his back. A concho belt with five gem grade natural Apache Blue turquoise conchos adorns his waist. His face is masked with the classic look of the god. The mask is gem grade Apache Blue turquoise to match with a prominent whistle inlaid in the middle below the eyes. The Yei dances in the dark with the stars above him. The finished piece is path breaking and unusually one of a kind.

Created by Navajo jeweler, Philander Begay, this marvelous bracelet was hand made by carving a precise design in tufa stone and casting molten sterling silver. The piece features an elaborate rug pattern and is set with an incredible rare gem grade natural Apache Blue spiderweb turquoise cabochon. The turquoise is a deep blue with dark chocolate brown webbing and is the perfect compliment to the quality of the piece.

Navajo jeweler Philander Begay has created this signature bolo by precision tufa stone carving. Each detail is precisely cut in a tufa stone. Molten sterling silver is pored to create the piece. This process is labor intensive and can only be used a very limited number of times before the image is destroyed. The bolo depicts a Yeibechai with a rattle and fox skin in the hands, dressed in full regalia. The Yeibechai is the masked human dancer who participates in the healing ceremony and impersonates the Yei, the supernatural being who brings their healing abilities to medicinal gatherings.