Merle Namoki

Hopi Silversmith of the Sun’s Forehead Clan, Shungopavi Village

Born May 18, 1970, in Gallup, New Mexico, Merle Namoki is a master Hopi silversmith of the Sun’s Forehead Clan. He was raised in the village of Shungopavi on Second Mesa, where he still resides today with his wife, Kaela James, and their children. Merle is a deeply rooted artist, surrounded from birth by generations of Hopi artisans. His mother was a potter, his grandmother created intricate yucca plaques and baskets, and his grandfather was a respected weaver whose work was displayed in exhibitions even before Merle began his own artistic journey.

Merle's formal path into jewelry began in 1987 when, encouraged by friends, he applied to the Hopi Cooperative Guild and was quickly accepted. Under the mentorship of renowned silversmith Sidney Secakuku, Jr., he studied intensively, earning his certification in 1989. His dedication to mastering traditional Hopi overlay techniques and his innovative approach to design have since made him one of the most respected silversmiths of his generation.

In addition to his art, Merle served as a wildland firefighter from 1988 to 2000. This volunteer commitment demanded long periods away from home, and he stepped down from the role when his first child was born in order to be more present for his growing family. Today, he is a proud father and active participant in Hopi ceremonial life, drawing inspiration from the traditions, elders, and spiritual heritage of his community.

Merle’s jewelry often reflects the natural world—he is especially inspired by landscapes, animals, and the cycles of Hopi life and ceremony. Each of his pieces is one-of-a-kind. While he may return to familiar themes such as solstice ceremonies or clan migrations, he never duplicates a design layout, ensuring every creation is wholly original. His work in silver and gold is known for its technical excellence and narrative depth, with detailed portrayals of Hopi dances, stories, and symbolism that serve as both cultural expressions and visual storytelling.

His artistic reach is international. Merle has exhibited at major shows including the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Indian Fair & Market, and the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Hopi Show. He has also traveled to Japan annually, where he educates audiences about the authenticity and meaning of Hopi arts and crafts. His work was even recognized by the Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, Japan, where he consulted on the authenticity of Hopi cultural objects in their collection.

Merle is passionate about construction and food—especially Japanese cuisine—but above all, he remains devoted to the values of family, heritage, and artistic integrity. His jewelry stands as a testament to centuries of Hopi tradition and his personal pursuit of mastery, blending the sacred with the contemporary in each extraordinary piece he creates.