Monongya, Jesse 14k Gold Pendant “Mud Head Kachina”

$9,500.00

Jesse Monongya · Navajo/Hopi

Mud Head Kachina Pendant

This Mud Head kachina pendant by Jesse Monongya turns one of the best-loved figures of Hopi ceremony into a small sculpture in 14k gold. A rounded coral face forms the center, and three raised coral knobs serve as the eyes and mouth, each set with a dot of jet. Around the face, Jesse added coral cabochons and inlaid feathers of opal, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, lapis, and mother of pearl.

Metal — 14k yellow gold

Stones — Coral, jet, opal, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, lapis, and mother of pearl

Dimensions — 1½ × 1½ in.

Bail Opening — ¼ in.

Hallmark — Signed “J Monongya” with three cloud symbols on the back

A Mud Head Kachina Pendant from Hopi Tradition

The Mud Head, or Koyemsi, is a clown figure in Hopi ceremony. He is easy to recognize by his round, knobbed head and the simple round openings for his eyes and mouth. Jesse captured that face with three raised coral knobs, so the design reads instantly, even at pendant size. In addition, the feathers fanning out to the sides give the figure a sense of movement and life.

Stone-to-Stone Inlay by a Master

Jesse Monongya was famous for some of the finest stone-to-stone inlay ever made, and this Mud Head kachina pendant shows why. Each feather combines opal, turquoise, and lapis, with mother of pearl at the tips. Jesse also carved the stones for texture, so the feathers have depth instead of a flat surface. Meanwhile, every stone sits in its own 14k gold bezel, cut to fit the shape exactly.

The son of Hopi jeweler Preston Monongye, Jesse grew up with his Navajo family and drew on both heritages in his work. As a result, Hopi figures like the Mud Head appear in his jewelry alongside the night skies and bears he is best known for. Jesse passed away in 2024, so pieces like this one are now part of a finished body of work. Finally, the back carries his hallmark, “J Monongya,” along with three cloud designs.

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Artist:

Jesse Monongya – Master Jeweler of Navajo and Hopi Heritage
1952–2024

Jesse Monongya was a celebrated Native American jeweler of Navajo and Hopi descent, widely known for his extraordinary inlay work and symbolic, sculptural designs. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1952, he was raised by Navajo relatives in the Chuska Mountains near Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, after being abandoned at a young age. His early life was shaped by deep cultural traditions and spiritual teachings, which later informed his artistry.

A turning point in his life came in 1975, when Monongya reunited with his biological father—renowned Hopi jeweler Preston Monongye. Under his father’s mentorship, Jesse began refining his craft, combining Hopi-inspired design sensibilities with Navajo symbolism and a unique vision all his own.

Monongya’s work is best known for its cosmic themes and masterful stone-to-stone inlay technique. Using materials such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral, opal, and fossilized ivory, he created wearable landscapes, spiritual motifs, and celestial symbols. His signature bear pendants, symbolizing strength and protection, became some of his most iconic creations. These intricately inlaid bears often featured stars and planetary elements set against jet or dark backgrounds, evoking the cosmos.

His career spanned decades, during which he earned numerous awards, including Best of Show at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup and Best of Division at Santa Fe Indian Market. His work has been collected and exhibited by leading institutions such as the Heard Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Jesse Monongya passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 6, 2024, at the age of 71. He is remembered not only for his artistic mastery but also for the spiritual depth and cultural richness embedded in each of his creations. His legacy lives on through his influence on younger generations of Native American jewelers, including his own children and apprentices.