Joseph Begay

Joseph Begay is a full blooded Native American Indian born into the Navajo Nation in 1964. He learned the art of carving on stones from his friend, Jeff Lewis. Joseph began carving on stone at the age of 22. The lucrative aspect of the business played a key roll in him becoming an fine artisan. It is his primary resource of income to support his family.

Joseph works with natural materials found through out the southwest. The materials that he primarily carves from are: alabaster, serpentine, picasso marble, jet, dolomite, amber, argyte, and sillonite. His distinctive animals include life-like representations of bears, turtles, eagles, coyotes, buffalos, and several others. His carvings are enhanced by either a solid or multi-color inlaid heartline or a prayer bundle containing arrows, feathers, and heshi that he places on the backs of his carvings. Joseph is proud and honored to be artistically gifted with this special talent. He is also extremely enthusiastic about sharing his carvings with all who respect and appreciate his artistic abilities and his cultural background. He signs his carvings as: J.B.