Phillip Zachary would often let his imagination transport
him back to the 1800's. Fascinated by the lives our Pioneers, Cowboys, and
Native Americans, Phillip often envisioned himself as one of those brave
souls.
However, having been born in
Albuquerque, New Mexico Phillip was able to experience some of the Old West
with his treks through the Navajo Reservation.
When Phillip first traveled
the Navajo reservations of Canoncito and Alamo he found the roads and homes
were very primitive. Many a time he had to open and close a cattle ranch
gate made of barbed wire in order to reach his destination. Most of these
roads were no more than wagon trails.
Many a Navajo dwelt in
traditional hogans or in small adobe homes. A few still rode their horse
drawn wagons to the community well to fetch their water in fifty-five gallon
drums perched on the back. He often saw them herding their sheep and
occasionally some would have a few cows or horses in a corral next to their
hogan. Few people know that some of these Indians were truly the last of the
Cowboys.
Phillip's experiences on the
reservation were a result of becoming involved in the Indian jewelry
business. The Native American would hand make this silver and turquoise
jewelry in his or her home and Phillip would make weekly rounds of the
reservation to collect their goods and pay them their due.
Already accomplished in the
art of gemstone lapidary, Phillip began learning the craft of creating this
silver jewelry himself. He became quite adept at his craft and made many a
unique and beautiful piece of art.
Eventually, wishing to open a
gallery featuring his turquoise gemstones, Phillip moved to Northwestern
Arkansas and found the ideal setting for his shop in Branson Missouri. Thus,
giving rise to Phillip Zachary's Turquoise & Silver Gallery.
Since embarking on this
venture to display and sell his works directly to those who shared his pride
and appreciation of them, Phillip has found a great satisfaction in
intermingling with his many long time customers.
Phillip's previous work has
also been collected by many of the Indian Jewelry dealers, themselves.
Having recognized the uniqueness and quality, these dealers know that
Phillip's work makes for a good investment.
Collector specimens of
lapidary work (stone cutting) by Phillip can be found in past issues of "New
Mexico Magazine", "Smithsonian Magazine" and "Arizona Highways Magazine" as
well as many other publications.
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