Beauford Dawahoya

Beauford Dawahoya (Hopi, 1940–1998) was a master Hopi silversmith known for his bold, clean designs and exceptional overlay technique. A member of the Snow Clan from Shungopavi on Second Mesa, Dawahoya learned silversmithing in the 1960s and quickly developed a signature style defined by powerful visual clarity, balanced symmetry, and deep cultural symbolism.

He was part of a remarkable family of artists, including his older brother Bernard Dawahoya, one of the most well-known Hopi jewelers of the 20th century. Together, the Dawahoya brothers helped define and preserve the Hopi overlay style, drawing on  Hopi ceremonies, ancient petroglyphs, migration stories, and other sacred imagery. His work captures both the visual beauty and layered meaning of Hopi tradition, while also demonstrating extraordinary technical precision. He preferred high-contrast finishes with clean lines and carefully balanced compositions, executed with minimalism that made even the most complex designs feel effortlessly composed.

Beauford was widely respected among his peers and collectors alike. He exhibited across the Southwest, including the Heard Museum and Museum of Northern Arizona, and was awarded Best of Show at the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial in 1983. He worked closely with Kopavi Gallery in Sedona during the 1980s and 1990s, and many of his most celebrated pieces were created during that time.

Beauford Dawahoya passed away in 1998, but his legacy lives on through his highly sought-after work, which continues to inspire contemporary Hopi artists today. He is remembered not only for his artistic contributions but also for his quiet humility and deep respect for Hopi values.