Timothy Bedah (October 4, 1945 – June 18, 2017) was a Navajo American painter and goldsmith born in Tohatchi, New Mexico.[1] He exhibited his work across the United States. Bedah is known for his silver and gold jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and buckles,[2] for which he won a number of awards.[3]
Timothy Bedah | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 4, 1945 |
| Died | June 18, 2017 (aged 71) |
| Burial place | Tohatchi Cemetery, Tohatchi, New Mexico |
| Nationality | Navajo Nation, American |
| Occupation(s) | painter, goldsmith |
Bedah was born to Edward Bedah (Plains Indian, Kiiyanii clan) and Thelma Begay (Navajo, Todacheenie clan).[2] He was a promising art student as a child, excelling in painting and music. After graduating from Gallup High School in 1965,[4] he was a guitarist and drummer in a country music band.[2]
He worked for a time at Carson's Trading Post in Gallup, New Mexico, where he learned how to silversmith. In the mid-1970s he began working with gold.[2]
Bedah died in 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is buried in the Tohatchi Cemetery.[5]