Jeri Ah-be-hill Jeri Ah-be-hill in an undated photo.
a lasting influence
Right: Ah-be-hill at Indian Market.
Courtesy of Teri Greeves
Left: Ah-be-hill at Arrowsmith’s, 1993, where she had space to show and sell her wares.
SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market
John Running
by Neebinnaukzhik Southall (Chippewas of Rama First Nation)
58
Indian Market Magazine
swaia.org
Below: Daughter Keri Ataumbi, a jeweler, displaying earrings. Courtesy of Teri Greeves
When Jeri Ah-be-hill (Kiowa-Comanche, 1934– 2015) passed away last March, the Native art world lost an irreplaceable icon. Unapologetically proud of being Native, this petite lady radiated a commanding presence, which she clearly passed on to her talented, successful daughters, beadworker Teri Greeves and jeweler Keri Ataumbi. “I saw her move among all different types of people, and she could hold her own anywhere,” asserts Greeves. Ah-be-hill energetically attended many events and gatherings, where she befriended people of all ages. “She was a social person,” says Greeves, “and being around people gave her life.” Throughout her life, Ah-be-hill not only advocated for her own culture, but promoted the artwork of countless other Native peoples. She had an incredibly good eye for talent and detail, taking note of now-famous artists early in their careers. “I saw her champion so many people,” says Greeves. For 25 years, she ran the Fort Washakie Trading Company on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, providing a venue for Native artists to sell their work. She was involved with Santa Fe organizations such as the Indigenous Language Institute, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the School for Advanced Research, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and of course, the SWAIA Santa
Above: Ah-be-hill at the trading post, 1980s.
Courtesy of Teri Greeves
Courtesy of Teri Greeves
Lower right: 1994, conferring with Rex Arrowsmith, longtime master of ceremonies at the Native American Clothing Contest.
Fe Indian Market, where she was the chair of the Native American Clothing Contest for 17 years. As emcee, she entertained the audience with her lively sense of humor and taught them a great deal about the diverse cultures represented on stage. Ah-be-hill demonstrated her love of Native cultures every day through her distinctive dress. “She paid homage to those who came before, and she recognized those today by wearing what our Indian people make today,” emphasizes Greeves. She always made an impression with her wrapped braids, beautiful cloth Kiowa T-dresses she sewed herself, paired with moccasins or stylish flats, and all manner of accessories and cutting-edge jewelry by Native artists. “Mom never left the house without earrings, I’ll tell you that, no matter what was going on,” Greeves laughs. “Yard work and cutting wood definitely required earrings.” Ah-behill was emblematic of smart, Native sophistication, serving as a muse and inspiration to many. To carry on her legacy and support Kiowa students, Ah-be-hill’s daughters have established the Jeri Ah-be-hill Scholarship at the Institute of American Indian Arts, to be distributed once the fund reaches endowment status. For more information and to donate, call IAIA’s Advancement Office at 505-424-5730.