A LITTLE ABOUT PHILANDER

In such a relatively short period of time,Gallup Navajo artist Philander Begay's reputation has sky rocketed for being not only a 'Master' Tufa Cast artist,but one of the finest artists out there in today's industry.He has surpassed so many of the 'bigger' names in the industry & when it comes to awards,the Heard museum knew this artist was unique & very special at what he makes,so much that he had earned at least 3~"1st place" awards with the Heard,with one being the highest award an artist could ever get in jewelry & that was when he took home 1st place in the category of "Best in Class in Jewelry" for his amazing concho belt.

Philander is known for not only his precise,very high end tufa cast jewelry,but is known for giving us depictions of Navajo ceremonial event's that are so beautifully displayed in all the jewelry he creates.You will not only get these very pictorial pieces, (that are almost like story tellers) but the finest Navajo jewelry on the market.

His jewelry is made for the true "connoisseur",that is made for the more higher end type jewelry collectors,who collect non-'touristy' pieces & very one of a kind, Native American jewelry..

 I feel very proud to bring Philander's quality of jewelry to my inventory..I hope you enjoy everything..He works in "one time Tufa casts",so you will always be guaranteed you will have a "one-of-a-kind" piece of true art !His work is definitely "Museum Worthy" & makes us realize what real Navajo art is!

DESCRIPTION:

I just don't know where to begin to speak about this remarkable & very well designed cuff.It is like a painting & story all in one & Philander did every part to tell the story!

One thing you don't do is,go to the Yei'Bi'Chei ceremony drunk!!! And this cuff tells the story of a drunken man doing, just that!

There is "No drinking at the Yei'bi'Chei ceremony!"

Made in a durable solid weighted textured sterling that has been made in a 'one time' Tufa cast of sterling & 14k gold accents,the Yei stands there holding onto the arm & whipping the drunk with a yucca branch (see photo 3), who happens to come to the ceremony drunk..The Yei is dressed in his ceremonial attire & is given definition to his body. He has a hand cut Kingman turquoise masked face,little hand cut round turquoise cabochons for his belt & turquoise cuff..He wears a squash blossom necklace & has his tobacco pouch over his shoulder that drops to the waist with a 14K gold bead accent on it.(see photo 5) On his left arm is a turquoise rattle made with Turquoise Mountain turquoise.

What I find fascinating is how the Yei's body becomes apart of the drunks body & then all you see at the bottom are the Yei's Mediterranean coral moccasins!

The drunks head is actually separate from the scene(see photo 8 & 10) & does not lay flush with the rest.He is wearing a headband of coral & has shoulder length hair & a highly detailed face.There is also detail & separation in his hands.If you zoom in on photo 7,you will notice a bottle of liquor at his waist!

Since the Yei' Bi' Chei" ceremony is a 9 day night time ceremony,this is why you see stars & the moon on the shank that depict the night. 14K gold beads are also in this area of the shank for accents.

This should actually be displayed in a Museum,since it is Philander at his best!! It is made for the "connoisseur collectors" of high end Navajo jewelry & is a piece that you can proudly wear & pass on to the next generation!

*Would make a wonderful Holiday gift!*