Reggie Mitchell and his son Bronson are fifth and sixth-generation Navajo “sand and tufa” casting jewelers. Using Sand and “Tufa” (a type of volcanic stone) to melt down silver is a traditional Navajo method. “Reggie was raised in the heart of the Navajo Nation and learned metalworking from his father, a master silversmith named Eugene Mitchell. Reggie says he learned the technique from his father and says,” He is unbelievably talented.” Reggie and his son now create jewelry for their family-run business “Dark Horse Navajo Jewelry.”
Dark Horse Navajo Jewelry produces heirloom quality pieces like turquoise cuffs, rings, and pendants. Mitchell selects gems like turquoise, sugilite, onyx, and coral for his pieces. The gems are bought directly from the mines and those who have claims to the mines. Mitchell works out of his home studio and believes in “building a legacy for his 29-year-old son to pass it on to the next generation.” He believes in leading and teaching all four of his children life skills.
Leadership is deeply rooted in Navajo culture. Mitchell says, “We are at the forefront of taking care of people. Those principals I still carry and want to pass that on to my children.” Growing up with little wealth instilled a persistent work ethic in Mitchell. ”I do come from humble beginnings. My main driving force is to never put my family in that position.” Mitchell believes his old-school work ethic helps him to be successful. He says, ”I know I can be honest with my own efforts, and I don’t believe anyone can outwork me.”
Mitchell believes that artists must be paid fairly for their work. Native jewelry has been exploited in the past and even today. He says art and jewelry should not be sold at wholesale prices when countless hours, expert craftsmanship, and Native influences are used to create these masterpieces.
Mitchell’s favorite part of his craft is creating high-quality items. He likes to ensure that each piece of jewelry is built to the highest standard. He encourages shoppers to buy directly from Native jewelers. Native artists’ designs have been copied without permission, and non-Natives have sold discounted or wholesale jewelry and devalued the art. “My passion is to bring awareness but also shed light on the beauty of our work to make sure people know they are getting a better fair deal when they buy directly from us.”
Mitchell remembers when trading was the main transaction on Navajo lands. Just a few decades ago, Native Americans “weren’t using a traditional system for currency.” The Navajos were focused on serving and helping others, trading necessities, and owning livestock. ”We knew money was valuable to non-Indians at the time, so we melted down coins to make jewelry. We wore our wealth, and that was how we traded and bartered with people at that time.” Mitchell still believes it doesn't take money to love and care for each other. He says, “Indigenous people had a healthy balance in caring for it all.”
Today, every piece of jewelry made by Dark Horse Navajo Jewelers has a special meaning behind it. “Whether it be the four directions, four mountains, creation stories, or weaponry—we put a lot of those Navajo influences into our designs,“ says Mitchell. His business model is not based on wholesale. Dark Horse Navajo Jewelry sells directly to its customers “to be fair and honest in both directions and connect to customers in a way they know they are being treated fair.”
Mitchell has sold his jewelry at local and nationwide shows like the Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show, and at The Gene Autry Museum. His jewelry was also featured in The Curse starring Emma Stone.
Mitchell was asked to create a custom keychain depicting a snake with turquoise for the TV show. The keychain is seen in episode six when Emma Stone explains the Navajo meaning behind the jewelry. Turquoise gems represent life, and coral represents nurturing and acceptance. The snake on the custom keychain signifies rebirth.
Mitchell says his son is passionate and creative and proudly follows in his grandfather’s footsteps as a silversmith. Mitchell’s son, Bronson Rogue Mitchell, developed a unique style that incorporates both the artistry and technical mastery of his forefathers with a modern aesthetic.
Bronson says, “Dad, we are making museum pieces. They will be around longer than us.” Passing that legacy on using techniques that have been used by six generations is something Mitchell believes in. He says, “There’s a lot of beauty to Indian art. Here at Dark Horse, we pride ourselves in our silverwork. Each cast silver piece is handmade, taking many hours to complete through a rigorous process of carving, casting, filing, stamping, and an extensive finishing sequence. And because of the exquisite quality of the metalwork, only the best stones will do justice to the silver they’re encased in.”
In the future, Mitchell would like his open his own shop with space for other Native artists to create their art as well.
You can visit Mitchell and buy his heirloom jewelry at the Native Treasures Market in Santa Fe on Memorial Day weekend. For more information go to https://darkhorsemitchell.com/
or visit Reggie’s Instagram @darkhorsenavajojewerly or Bronson’s Instagram @ogrogue
“Dad, we are making museum pieces. They will be around longer than us.”
”We knew money was valuable to non-Indians at the time, so we melted down coins to make jewelry. We wore our wealth, and that was how we traded and bartered with people at that time.”