Frank Yellowhorse

Frank Yellowhorse was an acclaimed Navajo artist known for his bold and colorful geometric inlay jewelry. Frank was born on February 14, 1933 in Holbrook, Arizona to parents Arthur and Anna Beasley. He was part of the Towering House People Clan. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War for four years. 

In addition to creating beautiful jewelry, Frank was the co-founder and operator of the famous Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post, which is located in Lupton, Arizona, on Interstate 40 at the New Mexico border. The Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post started in the 1950s as a roadside stand where the Yellowhorse family sold Navajo rugs and petrified wood to tourists passing by. In the 1960s, Frank and his brother Juan "Chief Yellowhorse" built out the trading post, which included jewelry, and added gas pumps for those adventuring on Route 66. Frank was a kind and generous man who enjoyed interacting with the wide variety of people he met at the trading post. 

Frank and his wife, Elsie had eight children. Two of their sons are talented and well-known jewelers, Alvin Yellowhorse and Bryon Yellowhorse. Frank taught Alvin and Bryon the art of silversmithing, and they both have excelled in advancing Frank’s legacy of inlay jewelry, each in their own unique way.

Frank passed away on August 13, 2020 at the age of 87.