Monongya, Jesse 14K Gold Tufa Cast Bracelet

This 14k gold bracelet by renowned Navajo jeweler Jesse Monongya features a sculpted bird figure symbolizing transformation, with inlays of opal, coral, lapis, and sugilite set into textured tufa cast gold. A lizard motif adorned with blue sapphires accents the outer edge, showcasing Monongya’s masterful blend of Navajo tradition and contemporary elegance.

 

Dimensions: 2″ W X 5/16th

Bracelet Size:  5″

Bracelet Opening: 1″

SKU: 55000 Categories: , , , ,
Artist:

Jesse Monongya – Master Jeweler of Navajo and Hopi Heritage
1952–2024

Jesse Monongya was a celebrated Native American jeweler of Navajo and Hopi descent, widely known for his extraordinary inlay work and symbolic, sculptural designs. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1952, he was raised by Navajo relatives in the Chuska Mountains near Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, after being abandoned at a young age. His early life was shaped by deep cultural traditions and spiritual teachings, which later informed his artistry.

A turning point in his life came in 1975, when Monongya reunited with his biological father—renowned Hopi jeweler Preston Monongye. Under his father’s mentorship, Jesse began refining his craft, combining Hopi-inspired design sensibilities with Navajo symbolism and a unique vision all his own.

Monongya’s work is best known for its cosmic themes and masterful stone-to-stone inlay technique. Using materials such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral, opal, and fossilized ivory, he created wearable landscapes, spiritual motifs, and celestial symbols. His signature bear pendants, symbolizing strength and protection, became some of his most iconic creations. These intricately inlaid bears often featured stars and planetary elements set against jet or dark backgrounds, evoking the cosmos.

His career spanned decades, during which he earned numerous awards, including Best of Show at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup and Best of Division at Santa Fe Indian Market. His work has been collected and exhibited by leading institutions such as the Heard Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Jesse Monongya passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 6, 2024, at the age of 71. He is remembered not only for his artistic mastery but also for the spiritual depth and cultural richness embedded in each of his creations. His legacy lives on through his influence on younger generations of Native American jewelers, including his own children and apprentices.

This extraordinary 14k gold bracelet is a masterwork by Jesse Monongya, a legendary Navajo jeweler known for fusing traditional symbolism with contemporary artistry. Monongya’s hallmark techniques—tufa casting, fine stone inlay, and sculptural design.

At the center is a sculpted gold bird figure, gracefully emerging from the textured surface. In Navajo culture, the bird often symbolizes a spiritual messenger or transformation—carrying prayers between the physical and spiritual worlds. Surrounding the figure is a vivid, flowing mosaic of hand-cut gemstones, including opal, coral, lapis lazuli, and sugilite. Each stone is precisely inlaid to form a rhythmic, organic pattern that evokes motion and harmony, much like leaves or flower petals caught in a gentle wind.

Monongya enhances the story further with a subtle tufa-carved lizard—an important symbol of survival and adaptability—set into the cast gold and accented with rich blue sapphires along the bracelet’s outer edge. The combination of materials, texture, and form creates an elegant balance between earth and sky, spirit and structure.

Signed by the artist, this bracelet is a testament to Jesse Monongya’s lifelong commitment to excellence and cultural storytelling through wearable art. It reflects not only his technical mastery but also his deep reverence for the spiritual and natural world.

Tufa casting is an ancient and revered metalworking technique used predominantly by Navajo and other Southwestern Native American jewelers. The process involves carving a design into a soft, porous volcanic stone known as tufa, which is composed of compressed volcanic ash. Tufa stone is ideal for casting due to its ease of carving and ability to withstand high temperatures.

To begin, the artist cuts and sands two matching tufa stones, creating a mold by hand-carving the desired design into one half. A funnel-like channel is also carved to allow molten metal—usually sterling silver or gold—to be poured into the mold. The two stone halves are then bound together and pre-heated to remove moisture, which prevents cracking during casting. Once the molten metal is poured in and cooled, the mold is broken open, revealing a one-of-a-kind piece.

Tufa casting is prized for its texture—the stone imparts a natural, grainy surface to the metal, giving the finished jewelry a distinct organic look and feel. Many artists embrace this texture as a signature element of their work, often finishing the piece with additional hand stamping, polishing, or stone inlay.

This method allows for artistic freedom and individuality, as each mold is used only once, making every tufa cast piece truly unique. Tufa casting reflects a deep respect for tradition and craftsmanship, preserving a hands-on, ancestral approach to jewelry making that continues to inspire contemporary Native artists today.