The meaning of quality in Native American art?

What is the meaning of quality when evaluating and discussing Native art?

 
 
SANTA FE, New Mexico—SWAIA and Collected Works Bookstore present conversations about the meaning of quality when evaluating and discussing art.  What is quality and how it is determined will be the topic of a series of provocative panel discussions.  The first panel, “Authenticity in Native Art,” will take place at Collected Works Bookstore (202 Galisteo St, #2) on Thursday, July 12 at 6 pm.
 
Authenticity and materials are often used as means to discuss and describe quality.  This three-part series of panel discussions engages artists and brings authorities together to examine the meanings of “authenticity” in Native art and related topics of concern to the community. SWAIA will use these topics to engage artists by asking them to respond to two questions:  What is “authenticity” in Native art, and what is its importance to quality?  Questions will address the roles and relevance of authenticity to creativity, cultural preservation, and quality of art, aside from art market value.  SWAIA asks artists themselves to define quality and artistic excellence at Indian Market.
 
SWAIA and Collected Works Bookstore invite the public to hear from the experts in these lively discussions on Thursdays, July 12, July 19, and August 2. Artists alone will make up the first panel, joined later in the series by curators, community leaders, and other stakeholders on Thursday, July 19 and Thursday, August 2.   The panels are part of SWAIA’s investigation into quality and its commitment to upholding standards of excellence as the preeminent authority in Native art.
 
All panels begin at 6 pm and are free of charge. 
 
For more information, visit www.santafeindianmarket.com.
 

The elegance of the cross. A Native American jewelry tradition

We have just emailed a notice to those who have signed up to hear from us announcing a sale on Native American cross pendants.

The cross pendant is an interesting object of Native American jewelry. Of the many abstract and representational creations by Zuni and Navajo jewelry artists, the crucifix inherently extends to both traditional Native American culture and predominantly Christian European culture.

The cross came into the Native American culture through the influence of Spanish Catholic explorers and religious authorities. As they moved through the Indian territories of the Southwest, they spread the gospel, converting thousands of Natives to Christian beliefs. At least, they convinced the Indians that it was economically and socially wise to add Christian symbols and ceremonies to their traditions, even if they weren't "true believers."

Over generations, Native Americans absorbed christian theology and blended it with their native tribal religions. Mission churches did not replace kivas, but they certainly assumed a place alongside them.

It was natural then that the development of silver work and lapidary by talented Navajo, Zuni and other tribal jewelry artisans would be expressed in crosses to be worn as pendants. Today, designs vary while retaining substantial fidelity to the basic crucifix form. They have been created in gold and silver (less gold these days, given the expense of that medium). They have been studded with cabuchons of turquoise, lapis, shell, coral and other semi-precious stones. They have included delicate inlay and channel work with the same stones.

The result is a bounty of jewelry possibilities, all of which permit and encourage the faithful to display their Christian beliefs while making statements of beauty and taste. Of additional interest is the fact that many, many authentic Native American cross pendants, while elegant and attractive are surprisingly inexpensive to give and wear.

Now, until Easter 2012, we are offering a 10% discount on all our Navajo crosses and Zuni crosses. Simply use the code "faith" when you order on line or by phone (800-305-0185) 10% will be deducted from the listed price.

Thank you and Happy Easter.

PS: We don't intend to offend our Jewish adherents. There are many non-Christian Native American designs that will make wonderful additions to the Native American jewelry wardrobe of people of all faiths. But the relationship between traditional Native American culture and Christian beliefs is a fact, and can't be ignored.

The State of Santa Fe art

Mixed reviews on the state of the art market in Santa Fe, from the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper.

Bloom or Bust?
Jury's out on state of Santa Fe art market
by Tom Sharpe

"While some gallery owners have seen signs of life in the art market, others say City Different scene is getting stale."

Our comment -
The overall art market in Santa Fe includes Native American art as a component.
But that component is not covered in the article.

So, dealers in Native American art and other tribal art. What say you?

You may remain anonymous. But your opinion is valued.

If you are in Santa Fe during November 26 & 27, mark your calendar for this SWAIA Event. If not, check out the Native American art websites at Native-American-Jewelry.org, Native-PotteryLink.com and ZuniLink.com

2011 Santa Fe
Winter Indian Market




Joy Harjo

Beautiful Artwork and Jewlery for Sale
Artist Demonstrators
Silent Auction
Two Performanaces by Joy Harjo
Raffle Prizes
Fashion Row
Native 101 Lecture

Early Bird Shopping and Native Art 101 Lecture
SWAIA Members Only
Saturday, November 26. 9:00 a.m.
Admission is $5 with a SWAIA Membership
For information on becoming a SWAIA Member, call Denise Keron
(505) 983-5220

Winter Indian Market Hours
Saturday, November 26, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (General Admission)
Sunday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (General Admission)

General Admission is $5 Per Day
Tickets Available at the Door

Tickets and Performance Times for Joy Harjo
$20
Includes Admission into Winter Indian Market
Saturday, November 26, 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 27, 1:00 p.m.
Advance Tickets Available (505) 983-5220

All events will take place at the Santa Fe Convention Center
(201 W. Marcy St. Santa Fe, NM 87501)


Artist Demonstrators

Award Winning Metalsmith
Kenneth Johnson (Muscogee/Seminole) Jeweler

2011 SWAIA Best of Show Winner
Jeremy Frey (Passamaquoddy) Basket Weaver

2011 Best of Classification Winner, Pottery
Jody Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo) Potter

2011 SWAIA Residency Fellowship Winner
Ryan Lee Smith (Cherokee/Choctaw) Painter

2011 SWAIA Residency Fellowship Winner
Lisa Hageman Yahgulanaas (Haida) Weaver

One week closer to Christmas

At the risk of being repetitive, we will probably be issuing weekly reminders of the upcoming holiday and the wisdom of thinking about your gift purchases now.

If you have a friend or loved one who is fond of Native American things, our website featuring authentic Navajo jewelry is a great place to browse for a gift that will surprise and delight him or her.

Or consider the wide range of Zuni and other pueblo fetish carvings at our ZuniLink site. There are hundreds to select from. A gift of Zuni fetish culture carries with it a wish for good health and good fortune.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday

On the Eve of Indian Market

We are in Santa Fe for the annual Indian Market weekend and will be reporting on our

experiences, including winners of the artist competition.

Tonight is the annual Wheelwright Museum silent auction. Always lots of fun and occasionally we actually win pieces at good prices. We'll let you know.

If you sign up for the RSS feed of TribalArtery, you will be notified the each time we post updates.

Just click on the RSS icon and select reader - Google Reader is a good choice.

Another Small World Story concerning Native American Art

A few days ago, we decided to post a couple of items from our inventory to eBay.

One of them was a Choctaw river cane basket by Rosie Joe. The buyer turned out to be someone who had previously owned the basket. He recognized it when he saw it listed in our eBay store. Upon completion of the transaction, he notified us of his prior involvement with the basket. Here are some excerpts from what he wrote us.

"Thanks, I'll tell you a little more about it. I sold items regularly to OIAG and this was one of the items I should have kept, but accidently (sic) got included in a group package that I had put together for them. I could not get it back because they told me it was not available for sale.

I had met Rosie Joe some years before that and had purchased many of her baskets from her. I had helped her collect river cane in Eastern Oklahoma and watched her prepare the cane and start weaving baskets. One day as I had gone to pick her up in Shawnee Oklahoma to take her to Eastern Oklahoma to gather river cane, she came out carrying this basket and gifted it to me for my help to her.

I was upset when it got away from me, and am glad it is returning home.

Rosie Joe also went by the name Rosie Lewis, never signed her baskets that I am aware of, and came from Eastern Choctaw family where her mother and grandmother taught her to weave baskets.

Thanks again for the opportunity given to me, to regain this lost basket back into my now very small collection."

This one of the things we love about trading in tribal art, whether it's Navajo folk art, Zuni carvings, pueblo pottery, African tribal masks and figurative carvings, Australian Aboriginal art and artefacts or Arctic/Inuit carvings, there is a friendly circle of shared interests and values.

We are glad to include you, dear reader, en the circle.

Upcoming Events In Native American Arts

This summary of impending events of interest to collectors and admirers of Native American Indian and other tribal art, is presented by Aboriginals: Art of the First Person and its allied web sites at Native-JewelryLink.com, for fine, hand-made Native American jewelry, Native-PotteryLink.com, for authentic Indian Pueblo pottery, TribalWorks.com for a mix of African, Australian, Arctic and Navajo folk art, and ZuniLlink.com, offering outstanding Zuni, Cochiti, Navajo and San Felipe carvings by top fetish carvers.
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May 30-31 - The annual Jemez Red Rocks Arts and Crafts Show at Jemez Pueblo - Call 505-834-7235

June 7 - Bonhams' Native American and Pre-columbian Art Auction - San Francisco - Call 415-861-7500

June 18-20 - Red Earth, America's Greatest Native American Cultural Festival - Oklahoma City - Call 405-427-5228

June 24 - Taos Pueblo San Juan Feast Day - Taos Pueblo - No cameras allowed.

June 25-27 - Cody Old West Show and Auction - Denver, CO - Call 307-587-9014

July 2-4 - Annual Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture - Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ - Call 928-774-5213

July 9-11 - Taos Pueblo Pow Wow - Taos Pueblo, Taos, NM - Call 575-758-1028

July 24-25 - High Country Arts and Crafts Festival - Eagles Nest, NM - Call 574-377-2420

July 25-26 - Taos Pueblo Feast Days of Santiago and Santa Ana - Taos Pueblo - Taos, NM

August 6-8 - Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture - Museum of Northern Arizona - Flagstaff, AZ

August 6-8 - Great Southwestern Antiques, Indian and Old West Show - New Mexico Fairgrounds - Albuquerque, NM - Call 505-255-4054

August 12-14 - Annual Antique Ethnographic Art Show - Santa Fe Community Convention Center - Santa Fe, NM - Call 505-992-8929

August 12-16 - Annual Inter-Tribal Ceremonial - Red Rocks State Park - Gallup, NM - Call 505-863-3896

August 13-22 - Santa Fe Show-Objects of Art - Santa Fe, NM - Call 310-456-2120

August 14-15 - Allard's Best of Santa Fe Auction - Scottish rite Hall - Santa Fe, NM - Call 888-314-0343

August 15-17 - Annual Invitational Antique Indian Art Show - Santa Fe Community Convention Center - Santa Fe, NM - Call 505-992-8929

August 19-20 - Wheelwright Museum Annual Silent Auction and Live Auction - Santa Fe, NM

August 21-22 - Santa Fe Indian Market - Santa Fe, NM - On and around the Plaza

Indians Dance at Native American Art Show in Cape Coral, FL

About a week ago, with our continuing interest in Native American art, as evidenced at our web sites (ZuniLink, Native American jewelry, Native American pottery and TribalWorks), we spent an afternoon at a Native American art show in Cape Coral, Florida. We were attracted to some degree by the incongruity of Native American art in this venue. Nevertheless, it was a satisfying experience.

We encountered a Native American artist, Susie Longhair, Cocopah, that we had not met before. We were struck by the ingenuity and attractiveness of her jewelry creations. We posted about it a few days back and included some photos of items we acquired.

This posting, however, is about dancing that was demonstrated by Native American Indians present at the show. The dance presentation included some instructive narrative about the dances, some of which we were able to capture on video. But, given the limited recording time available on the video camera, we chose to concentrate on the dances. So here they are:


For another look at aspects of Native American culture, visit our web sites at Native-JewelryLink.com for examples of expert Native American jewelry, Native-PotteryLink.com for examples of beautifully created Pueblo and other Indian pots, and ZuniLink.com for fetish carvings by Zuni and other Native peoples. Thank you.

Tribal Artery - Mashantucket Pequot Schemitzun cancelled

The Mashantucket Pequot tribe of Connecticut has announced that it's annual pow-wow event, Schemitzun, has canceled the event for 2009. According to Lori Potter, a spokesperson for the tribe made the announcement while indicating that it was part of the tribal governements plans to reduce expenses in this time of economic stress.

The Mashantucket Pequot also operate the Native America casino called Foxwoods Resort Casino. The event, also known as the Feast of Green Corn and Dance, was launched in 1992. It has been held at the Miner Farm on Winecthog Hill Road, North Stonington , CT. where hundrds of Native Americans competed in dances and rodeo acts, and native American booths sold art, clothing and jewelry. There also were demonstrations of various Native American crafts.

In canceling the event, the tribe graciously thanked all those who had participated in the event and supported it in the past.

It is unclear whether or not the event will be reinstated when economic conditions improve.

Aboriginals:Art of the First Person, owners of websites that feature Native American art, carvings, pottery and jewelry, regrets the loss of a major event such as this. We big fans of powwows and encourage all our readers to patronize any that are held where you live or visit.

Tribal Art - Sotheby's May 20 catalog on line

Eighteen days from now, May 20, 2009 Sotheby's New york will hold an auction of American Indian Art including property from the Frieda and Milton Rosenthal Collection.

The catalog is online for web browsers at Sotheby's.

There are more than 200 lots ranging in estimates from US$5,000 to US$80,000

Among the higher end pieces are Chilkat blankets, Haida rattles, Navajo weavings and historic pottery from the Southwestern Pueblos. Baskets also are well represented.

In addition to browsing through the catalog on line, you can order a copy of the catalog for purchase. We find these printed catalogs, which usually are followed by a 'prices realized sheet' if requested, can be valuable resources for determining values of similar items you may be considering buying or selling.

Oh, yes. You also can bid on line. Be sure to read the terms and conditions. An auction house premium is added to the winning bid.

Whether you bid or not, however, an auction like this can be very educational. At Aboriginals: Art of the First Person and our websites at Tribalworks.com, ZuniLink.com, Native-JewelryLink.com and Native-PotteryLink.com, we value informed buyers. We add our best thinking and experience to the educational mix. The more you know about an object of tribal art, the more you will enjoy owning it.

Tribal Art - What's authentic and Why it matters

This embedded video features Tony Eriacho, Zuni artist and Indian Art authenticity activist, who talks about issues of authentic Indian art and their ramifications. Tony is a friend and trusted authority. I think the video is worth 8 minutes of your time.

We at Aboriginals: Art of the First Person have been members of the Indian Arts and crafts Association for 20 years and are strong believers in the principles that Tony advocates. We apply them to every thing we offer at ZuniLink, Native-JewelryLink, Native-PotteryLink and TribalWorks.

We invite your inspection and your questions.

Tribal Art - have some fun. Guess the carver.

Often we get confused about who carved what.

Not that we didn't know and can't look it up.

But we look at a carving we have had for a while and we wonder, "Who carved that?"

Of course when we look it up in our records we say, "Of course, that's who the carver was."

So we thought we might turn it into a game and you might enjoy playing.
Is it Emery Eriacho?

Or Elroy Pablito?

Or a Quandelacy?

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If you guessed it was a Quandelacy, you must know a little something about fetish carvers.

But we're not done yet.

Which Quandelacy?

Click here to find out

Church Street Cafe, Old Town, Albuquerque, NM

As we anticipate our next journey to New Mexico, we reminisce about one of our favorite palces to eat while there. The Church Street Cafe in Old Town behind San Felipe Church.

The rear garden is a sensual treat that adds to the delightful menu of Southwestern dishes.

We enjoy watching this and hope you will too.

Tribal Art - Molly Murphy, Oglala artist wins Best of Heard Show

"Absolutely magnificent", was the rave given by Barbara Korn, Heard Museum Show official, to the Best of Show winning work of Oglala Sioux bead work artist, Molly Murphy.

Murphy's entry, titled "Past is Prologue", was a Salish-style cradle board, beaded in light blue turquoise.

Lovers of Native American tribal art recognize the Heard Museum Fair and Market as one of the pre-eminent competitions in the world of Native art. Murphy's work was in competition with seven other first place winners in other categories, representing an even more significant win.

The show attracted entries from more than 700 Indian artists. Crowds visiting the weekend festival were estimated at 20,000, a 14% increase over last year's attendance. This speaks well for the vitality and popularity of Native American Indian art

Murphy also won a Second Place award in the beading category with a sewing box covered in red wool and ornate beading.

Murphy reported that the cradle board was purchased by collectors from New Jersey, who have several grandchildren, including a very recent one.

More information about Murphy's win is available at the Missoulian, a Missoula, MT newspaper.

As fans of beautiful Native American bead work and all Native Tribal Art, Susanne & William Ernest Waites, providers of tribal art at TribalWorks.com, Native-JewelryLink.com, Native-PotteryLink.com and ZuniLink.com, salute Molly Murphy for her extraordinary work and her impressive win.

We speak Tribal Art in many languages

If you are reading this blog as is, you may find the following news unimportant.

On the other hand, if you know people who speak languages other than English, and who are interested in tribal art, you can tell them that Aboriginals' websites now have Google translation capability.

Our Zuni fetish carving site at ZuniLink.com , our Native-JewelryLink.com site featuring Native American jewelry, our website featuring Native American pottery, Native-PotteryLink.com, and our TribalWorks.com site, with African, Australian, Arctic and Navajo folk art items, no all have a Google gadget that allows the text of the entire site to be translated to several non-English languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Russian and more, even Arabic.

Simply go to the home page, find the Google translation box and enter the language you would like to translate to. The page you are on will be translated to that language as will every other page on the site.

A warning, however - This is machine translation so that it doesn't deal with colloquial expression well. When your cursor passes over a translated phrase, a window will open offering the original English wording and will ask if there is a more accurate translation possible. Your response will go to Google, where it will add to their knowledge of languages.

Please give us a comment to let us know if you like this capability. Thank you.

Tribal Artery has joined AVCOSA

We have joined the Antique Vintage Collectibles Online Sellers Association. We believe in supporting others in our field.

Skinner to hold Ethnographic Art Auction -1/24/09

(From William and Susanne Waites at Aboriginals: Art of the First Person, proprietors of web sites at TribalWorks, Native-PotteryLink, Native-JewelryLink and ZuniLink)

Skinner, Inc., A Boston auction gallery has scheduled an auction of American Indian and Ethnographic Art on Saturday Jan 24th at 10AM

Lots will include Pre-Columbian and African material, Native American items - including several lots of moccasins, items from the Northwest Coast, Katsina dolls, Navajo silver and several ollas.

In January, Skinner will be launching a new live bidding applet on skinnerinc.com. This applet will provide Skinner’s clients with a whole new bidding experience: the ability to bid live in real-time on the Skinner website from the convenience of home or work. For more information on all the ways to bid in a Skinner auction, or to register to be one of the first live bidders, log onto How to Buy & Sell at http://www.skinnerinc.com/buy-sell/skinner-live.php

Top 13 Native American Art Events in early 2009

Native Trails: A Celebration of Native American Culture through song, dance, art and food. Scottsdale, (AZ) Civic Center Mall,

January 15 – April 11, 2009

www.scottsdalenativetrails.com

Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market – Heard Museum, Phoenix (AZ),

March 7 – 8, 2009,

www.heardguild.org

Annual Navajo Weaving Show – Old Territorial Indian Arts, Scottsdale (AZ),

March 5-6-7, 2009,

480-945-5432

Native American Art Festival – Litchfield Park (AZ),

January 10-11, 2009

www.litchfield-park.org

Colorado Indian Market – Merchandise Mart, Denver (CO),

January 23-25, 2009

www.indianmarket.net

Texas Indian Market – Arlington Convention Center, Arlington (TX),

April 3-5, 2009,

www.indianmarket.net

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest – Heard Museum, Phoenix (AZ)

February 7-8, 2009,

www.heard.org

Tribal & Textile Arts Show – Fort Mason Center, San Francisco (CA),

February 13-15, 2009

www.caskeylees.com

Sa’heh’wa’mish Days – Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton (WA),

February 20-21, 2009,

www.little-creek.com

Marin Indian Art Show – Marin Civic Center, San Rafael (CA),

February 21-22, 2009,

www.krmartindale.com

Southwest Indian Art Fair – Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona,Tucson (AZ),

February 21-22, 2009,

www.statemuseum.arizona.edu

Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival – Santa Fe Convention Center, Santa Fe (NM),

May 23-24, 2009,

www.nativetreasuressantafe.org

Tulsa Indian Art Festival – SpiritBank Event Center, Tulsa (OK),

February 13, 14, 15, 2009,

918-749-6073

A Welcome Letter From Washington, D.C.

While the letter, from the Federal Trade Commission, U. S. Department of the Interior, was addressed to "Dear Sir or Madam," we considered the letter quite formal. We also considered it good news.

It announced that the FTC is working with Indian Arts and Crafts Board to enforce provisions of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.

We received the letter because the FTC found our web sites – all four of them apparently – on the Internet. That’s good news.

The letter was to remind us – and others we presume – that items offered for sale as American Indian-made or Alaska Native-made must have been made in fact, by Native American Indians or Alaskan Natives.

The letter goes on to state, “…it is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced , an Indian product or the product of a particular Indian tribe. Under the Act, Indian is defined as a member of a federally or officially State recognized Tribe, or as a formally certified non-member Indian artisan of the federally or officially State recognized Tribe of their descent.”

The Federal Trade Commission Act also prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.” Enforcement actions have been brought against “persons and businesses selling art works through false representations about artists, about authenticity of the works, or about the investment attributes of the art work.”

We applaud this newly aggressive approach to protecting buyers and discouraging fraudulent sellers. As dealers who always have refused to sell items that we cannot verify as Indian or Alaskan made without specifying that they are NOT Native-made, we are happy to see the Feds actively doing their duty.

An environment in which buyers and collectors can trust that the people who sell to them are telling the truth and promising the reality about art as an investment is good for everyone.

That being true, it is also true that frauds and charlatans will continue to try to cheat the law and their customers. It is up to all of us to call them out. If you purchase an item under what you consider to have been false premises, let the seller know. It may simply be a mistake. If it is, any legitimate dealer will refund your money, and relabel the item correctly.

If you see this behavior repeated, however, please contact the FTC so that the perpetrators may be prosecuted, and their fraudulent activities ended.

More information about the Indian Arts and Crafts Act can be obtained at www.IACB.DOI.gov. The website also has a down-loadable brochure guide, “How to Buy Genuine American Indian Arts and Crafts.”

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This message is brought to you by Aboriginals: Art of the First Person, with web sites at Native-JewelryLink, Native-PotteryLink, TribalWorks and ZuniLink, where you can trust that you are buying the real thing.