[1][2] He was known by many names, but to his people, he was known as Atsidi Sani, which translates to "Old Smith," and to the Mexicans he was known as Herrero, which means "Iron Worker.
In addition to being a silversmith and a blacksmith, he was also a Medicine Man, Spiritual Leader, Ceremonial Singer, and a Navajo Chief.
According to Navajo tribal leader, Chee Dodge, Sani must have learned to work iron around the age of 25.
Grey Moustache recalls "watching Atsidi Sani make bridle bits out of pieces of scrap iron.
'"[8] Some of his early silver work consisted of conchas, bracelets, and a variety of other jewelry pieces, the first of which was generally agreed to have been made in 1853.
"[9] One of his more important students was his younger brother, Slender Maker of Silver, who was one of the best silversmiths of his time, according to Chee Dodge.
[10] Slender Maker of Silver also learned some of his skills from a man by the name of Atsidi Chon (Ugly Smith), who was a brother-in-law to Grey Moustache.