Robert Chee: A Traditional Navajo Silversmith Rooted in Family and Craft
- Santa Fe Sun Handmade
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
A Life Shaped by Tradition
Robert Chee is a highly skilled Navajo (Diné) silversmith from New Mexico, raised near the historic Manuelito Trading Post, an area once known for producing some of the finest Navajo rug weaving.
While weaving traditions in the region have declined over time, Chee’s work represents the continuation of another important Navajo art form—silversmithing.
Early Life and Family
Robert Chee was born in 1952 at home and grew up in a large family of ten children—he was the ninth. His childhood was rooted in a traditional Navajo lifestyle, filled with outdoor experiences such as hiking through the mountains and arroyos and riding horses.
His father worked as a silversmith for the historic Mike Kirk Trading Post, giving Robert early exposure to the craft that would later define his life’s work.
Chee also shares a close family connection with renowned Navajo jeweler Harry Morgan, his first cousin. The two grew up together under the same roof and began their lives in a traditional Navajo hogan—an eight-sided home central to Diné culture.
Because their mothers were sisters, and Navajo society is matriarchal, Chee was raised with strong cultural guidance from both women. This dual maternal influence played an important role in shaping his traditional values and worldview.
Learning the Craft
Robert Chee learned silversmithing through family apprenticeship, the traditional method of passing down Navajo craftsmanship. Under the guidance of Harry Morgan, he developed his skills through observation, repetition, and hands-on experience.
This form of teaching emphasizes not only technical ability, but also respect for heritage and cultural responsibility.
Artistic Style and Techniques
Robert Chee specializes in traditional Navajo jewelry, with a strong focus on:
Silver casting
Hand-stamped designs
His work is recognized for its:
Bold, clean stampwork
Solid, heavy-gauge sterling silver
Timeless, traditional forms
Each piece reflects the hallmarks of authentic Navajo craftsmanship—handmade, durable, and deeply connected to cultural tradition.
Family and Life Today
Robert Chee has two children, though they have chosen not to pursue silversmithing. This reflects a broader shift seen in many traditional art forms, where fewer younger generations continue these practices.
In his personal time, Chee enjoys:
Working around the house
Restoring and appreciating old cars
Spending time with his grandchildren
Preserving a Living Tradition
Robert Chee’s work represents more than jewelry—it is part of a living cultural tradition. Through his dedication to traditional techniques and family-taught skills, he helps preserve the artistry and heritage of Navajo silversmithing for future generations.
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