Navajo Nation

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
Animal Characteristics:
Badger-ability to reach a desired goal
Bear- strength, inner power to perceive ones present circumstances.

Beaver-progressive builder, one who pr omotes family unity.
Buffalo-steadfast endurance ot rise above one’s weakness
Coyote-ability ot laugh at one self, humor
Eagle-a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems, a connection to the divine.

Fox-camouflage, protection.
Frog-able to petition the spriits to bring forth abundant rain.
Horse-one of only two fetishes that have innate healing powers.

Mountain Lion-leadership, resourcefulness.
Ram-Used to procure an increase of herds.
Raven-this bird’s beak is scratched across an afflicted person’s skull releasing its healing powers.
Turtle-a symbol of long, meaningful life.
Wolf-teacher, path finder on the never ending journey for survival.