Ruben Saufkie

Hopi Silversmith, Water Clan – Shungopavi, Second Mesa

Ruben Saufkie Sr., a Hopi artist of the Water (Patki) Clan, has been creating jewelry since 1988. Born and raised in the village of Shungopavi on Second Mesa, Ruben continues a celebrated family legacy—his grandfather, Paul Saufkie, was a pioneering figure in Hopi silversmithing and an instructor for the historic Veterans’ Classes of 1948, while his uncle, Lawrence Saufkie, was a renowned silversmith in his own right. Inspired by this lineage, Ruben studied jewelry making at the Hopi Guild before launching his career.

Ruben is best known for his mastery of the Hopi overlay technique, but he also incorporates tufa casting into his designs—a process that involves pouring molten metal into intricately hand-carved tufa stone molds. Tufa, a porous volcanic rock, adds a distinctive texture and natural quality to each piece. The process requires careful craftsmanship and patience; the stone is fragile and can crack during casting, forcing the artist to start over. Ruben’s work fuses these two traditional methods—overlay and tufa casting—into one-of-a-kind creations that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Hopi tradition.

In addition to his artistry, Ruben is a passionate advocate for his community and the Earth. He helped coordinate two significant ceremonial runs connecting Hopi to Indigenous communities across North America. The first, the H2Opi Run to Mexico City in 2006, raised awareness around water preservation and carried the powerful message that Water is Life. The second, the Fire Run in 2007, retraced the journey in reverse—bringing fire from Mexico City back to Hopi. Together, these 2,000-mile spiritual journeys emphasized the sacredness of natural elements and the unity of Indigenous peoples. Ruben considers these runs to be a vital part of his spiritual path.

Beyond jewelry, Ruben shares his Hopi culture through song and dance. At the heart of his life are his wife, Barbie, and their five children—whom he calls the greatest gifts given to him by the Creator. His jewelry serves not only as adornment but also as a vessel for storytelling and healing, offering glimpses into his life journey and spiritual beliefs.

 “May everyone and every living thing benefit as we all live together here on Earth. Kwa-Kwah (thank you).” – Ruben Saufkie Sr.