NEA Big Read AZ Speaks Keynote: Metalsmith Matriarchs: Makers, Memory, and Reciprocity

Nanibaa Beck addresses the ways Native women metalsmith integrate indigenous knowledge, practice and tradition into their craft. She focuses on four to five metalsmiths with a rotation in place, person, and style. Beck is a 2nd generation Diné (Navajo) jeweler. Being intricately connected to the creation process motivated her to become more knowledgeable about the multifaceted areas surrounding Native American Art. This presentation and Nanibaa’s work demonstrate the connection of Native artists to Arizona and beyond as a place and identity.

Nanibaa Beck is a 2nd generation Diné (Navajo) jeweler. Being intricately connected to the creation process motivated Nanibaa to become more knowledgeable about the multifaceted areas surrounding Native American Art. In November 2013, Nanibaa founded NotAbove Jewelry. Her a-ha moment to pursue jewelry occurred after a small thank you card project sparked the idea for the original language necklaces. They were the beginning of the thoughtful and intentional handmade creations that connect to her Diné culture.    Today, NotAbove reflects vibrant Native creative expressions and the growth of an Diné ‘Asdzáá (woman) as a metalsmith.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. AZ Speaks is made possible by AZ Humanities.