Morris Robinson Hopi Native Indian pure silver box with closure vintage artisan For Sale

The Morris Robinson Hopi Native Indian pure silver box with closure is a vintage artisan piece that showcases the craftsmanship of Hopi artist Morris Robinson. This handmade box is a unique collectible item that embodies Native American culture and heritage. The intricate design and high-quality materials reflect the artistry and tradition of the Hopi tribe, making it a valuable and culturally significant piece for collectors or those interested in Native American art and history. 925 Silver, unique piece of history.Artist information:
Hopi Master Silversmith of Old Oraibi and BacaviMorris Talawytewa Robinson was born in 1900 in the village of Old Oraibi on Hopi’s Third Mesa. Sources differ slightly on his clan affiliation—Margaret Wright identifies him as Lizard Clan, while other accounts reference the closely allied Snake Clan. As a child, he witnessed one of the most significant events in modern Hopi history: the 1906 split in Old Oraibi, which led to the founding of Hotevilla. Robinson later moved to Bacavi, a village established near Hotevilla.His career as a silversmith began in the early 1920s. By 1924, Robinson was already living and working in Phoenix, Arizona, creating jewelry for Graves and Vaughn’s Indian Store. He quickly gained recognition as a pioneering figure in Native American jewelry and is widely celebrated as one of the first Native American master silversmiths and goldsmiths. His early jewelry—especially his Art Deco-influenced designs from the 1920s—marked a bold departure from prevailing styles and placed him among the most innovative artists of his time.Robinson’s contemporaries included respected Hopi silversmiths such as Ralph Tawangyawma, Harold Jenkins, Frank Nutima, Allen Pooyouma, and Pierce Kewanwytewa. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become the modern tradition of Hopi silversmithing. His impact was so significant that even the legendary Charles Loloma is documented as having sought Robinson’s advice and critique, as noted by Margaret Wright in her book Hopi Silver: The History and Hallmarks of Hopi Silversmithing.Robinson retired from silversmithing in the 1960s and returned to Bacavi to help his brother tend sheep. Even in retirement, he continued to sell jewelry, often bringing pieces with him that he had crafted earlier in his career. He passed away in 1987, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Native American jewelry artists today.His hallmark—a stylized letter "H" paired with a snake motif—first appeared in 1931 and remains a signature of authenticity for his work. Pieces by Robinson are highly prized by collectors for their historical importance, distinctive design, and master craftsmanship.The pieces in this collection were originally acquired at the Museum of Northern Arizona's Hopi Show in the late 1970s and reflect the artistry of a true pioneer in Hopi jewelry.

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