Grant Dial, a distinguished Lumbee Indian silversmith and entrepreneur hailing from Red Springs, North Carolina, left an indelible mark on the world of Native American artistry. His passing on June 3, 2024, at the age of 72, marks a significant loss for the Native American art community and all who admired his dedication to his craft and heritage.
In 1976, Dial made a pivotal decision, choosing to pursue his passion for silversmithing over completing his college degree. This bold move proved transformative, allowing him to establish himself as a highly skilled artisan, renowned for his handcrafted jewelry and accessories that beautifully reflected his Lumbee identity.
For over 25 years, Grant Dial was a cherished presence at the Thunderbird Grand Mid-Summer Pow Wow. Arriving in his RV, laden with his “traveling pow wow treasures vault,” he became a fixture, expertly guided into his space by Alan Shooting Star Brown, a co-founder of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. This annual journey from North Carolina to Queens, NYC, was a testament to Dial’s commitment to sharing his heritage and artistry with his community, offering precious, handcrafted jewels in the vibrant setting of a Pow Wow – a celebration deeply rooted in American Indian dance and culture.
Grant Dial exuded an aura of both humility and regality. Always impeccably dressed, he was a shrewd businessman with a warm sense of humor. He spoke of his decades-long presence at the Pow Wow, often sharing captivating stories in his distinctive North Carolina cadence. His silversmithing prowess was exceptional, particularly his ability to carve precious purple stones into silver, creating exquisite squash blossom necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pendants. He utilized quarried, precious stones, employing techniques of smelting and molding to produce premium pieces.
Dial’s artwork, characterized by unique purple and lavender hues, attracted discerning buyers and the admiration of New York’s top curators. Stepping into his booth was akin to entering a curated museum, earning him widespread respect within the art world. Grant Dial masterfully shaped Lumbee pride and identity into each silversmith creation, presenting them as emblems of personal and cultural greatness. His pieces, displayed under glass in polished pine frames, served as a powerful representation of his family and nation’s enduring presence and legacy, deeply intertwined with the history of the Southeastern United States and its rich tradition of American Indian dance and artistry.
His son, Isaac Dial, has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a master silversmith himself. Isaac, of Navajo and Lumbee descent, began his journey assisting his father, cleaning and polishing jewelry. By 25, he was crafting his own pieces, maintaining the refined finishes synonymous with the Dial name.
Isaac Dial’s work continues to impress, featuring innovative designs and the use of high-quality materials such as natural North American turquoise, Sugilite, and Mediterranean coral, crafted in both sterling silver and 18k gold. His creations exemplify the enduring legacy of artistry and dedication passed down from his father, contributing to the ongoing narrative of American Indian dance and cultural expression through art.
Grant Dial’s impact extends beyond his exquisite jewelry. It is interwoven with the resilience and determination of his Lumbee heritage. The Lumbee people, with roots tracing back centuries in North Carolina, have demonstrated unwavering persistence in maintaining their land, culture, and identity. From navigating historical migrations and challenges to achieving state recognition in 1885 and federal acknowledgment in 1956, the Lumbee story is one of strength and perseverance, mirroring the dedication Grant Dial embodied in his life and work, much like the vibrant and enduring traditions of American Indian dance.
Throughout his career, Grant Dial channeled challenges into a deep commitment to his craft, earning accolades for his artistry and entrepreneurial spirit. His work became celebrated in Red Springs, North Carolina, and New York, solidifying his place as a respected figure in both communities. His obituary aptly described him as a “beloved member of the Red Springs” area, highlighting his profound local impact.
Grant Dial’s legacy endures through his artistic contributions and the mark he left on his community. He was not only a skilled craftsman and businessman but also a cultural ambassador, sharing the beauty and pride of Lumbee artistry within the broader context of American Indian dance and heritage at events like the Thunderbird Pow Wow. His memory will continue to inspire future generations of Native American artists and entrepreneurs.
Remembrance by Marie Poncé (Lucayan-Taino & Cherokee-Tuscarora), Vendor Artist Manager at the 45th Annual Grand Mid-Summer Pow-Wow, and Lifetime Member of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, Inc.
