Jesse Monongya (1952-2024) was most recognized for his jewelry artistry, creating some of the finest inlay works created this century. His spiritual connection to the Creator, stars, universe, and land inspired him to craft unique pieces of wearable art with deep meaning; gaining widespread recognition and receiving numerous awards.

Born August 13, 1952, at the Indian Hospital in Phoenix, he is the son of Ida Mae Castillo (Diné) and Preston Lee Monongye (raised Hopi). At the young age of 3 years, Jesse and his three siblings were found abandoned in a small building near the Grand Canyon. Jesse was adopted and raised by Lucille and Allen Mailman in Two Grey Hills, NM where he was taught Navajo traditions, instilling upon him ethics, discipline, and spirituality.

Jesse graduated with honors from Fort Wingate High School in New Mexico, excelling in football and track. After high school, while in training to become a heavy equipment operator, he was approached by the Marines. With the dream of wearing Dress Blues and moving to California, he was sworn in and on his way to Camp Pendleton by the end of the day. The Vietnam War was escalating, and Jesse, having been in training for only two weeks, had not yet received the traditional Navajo blessing given to the men and women going to war. In the book, Jesse Monongya: Opal Bears and Lapis Skies by Lois Sherr Duban, Jesse recalls:
“I was walking through the camp and heard an eagle cry. I looked up and there was the eagle flying overhead, swirling around. And out of the clear blue sky I saw a feather floating back and forth, coming straight down. So I ran after it, and caught it; the eagle had let go of a beautiful feather. I put it into a small Holy Bible that my grandmother had given me. I didn’t think much more about it. I finished my combat training, and got sent to Nam Pong, Thailand, near the border with Laos. Then I got a letter that my aunties had written for Grandmother and Grandfather. And… it was amazing... the letter said, ‘Did you get the feather we sent you?’ I had taken that feather with me in the war and had tied it to my helmet. And when I came home, and showed it to Grandmother and Grandfather, they said, ‘This is the feather we sent you.’” (Duban 2002:23)

Jesse served for 18 months in Vietnam.

When he returned to the US, he employed the help of a Navajo FBI agent to locate his father, ultimately reuniting him with the renowned Hopi artist and silversmith, Preston Monongye. Although not immediately interested in the trade, Jesse began assisting Preston with his work. The night before he was to return to heavy equipment training, his mother gifted him a dream, instructing Jesse to pursue jewelry making and stating that in time, he would become more famous than his father. Jesse listened to that dream.

Jesse’s work has been prized by collectors worldwide. Among these include John D. Rockefeller, Senator Barry Goldwater, Lynn Sherr 20/20, Eddie Basha Jr., and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Museums such as the Heard Museum, Northern Arizona Museum, Museum of Man (San Diego, CA), Denver Art Museum, Cooper-Hewitt Museum (NY, NY), The Museum of Modern Art, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, and the American Museum of Natural History also hold his work.

Community involvement was also important to Jesse, serving as co-chairman for the US Department of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and dedicating his time and funds to Scottsdale Art Institute, Youth Prison Outreach, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Maricopa Community College Foundation for American Indian Students.

Jesse will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, charisma, and iconic black Stetson cowboy hat with an eagle feather. His witty humor, captivating story-telling, and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all those who have met him.

Freeman's Hindman is honored to exclusively offer The Lifetime Collection of Jesse Monongya, featuring the last 5 pieces of completed jewelry from the estate, his tools, workbenches used, his iconic boot and hat collection, and works by other Native artists that embody his connection with his universe.

Timed Online / Scottsdale