Marian Denipah is an accomplished Native American jeweler of Navajo and Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo) heritage. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Marian creates timeless jewelry that bridges cultural tradition with fine art. Known for her tufa-cast silver and gold work, she often collaborates with her husband, Hopi–Assiniboine artist Steve Wikviya LaRance. Together, they have become renowned for their bold, elegant designs rooted in ancestral knowledge.
Marian began her artistic journey studying painting, photography, ballet, and modern dance at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. She later earned her Fine Arts degree from Northern Arizona University, where she deepened her understanding of both traditional and contemporary visual expression.
Her jewelry is primarily created using the tufa casting technique—a labor-intensive process where molten silver is poured into hand-carved tufa stone molds. Each mold is destroyed after a single casting, ensuring every piece is one of a kind. Marian and Steve source tufa stone from Hopi lands, honoring a practice made famous by innovators like Charles Loloma.
Marian’s designs often incorporate Native symbolism, such as dragonflies, hummingbirds, spirals, and constellations, and feature materials like turquoise, coral, pearls, and even diamonds. Many pieces include hidden motifs—like a hummingbird etched on the inside of a bracelet—adding a personal, intimate layer of storytelling to her work.
Her work has been featured at top Native art markets and exhibitions across the Southwest. Collectors are drawn to her attention to detail, spiritual depth, and dedication to cultural continuity.