A primer on Six Directions of Zuni fetishes.

As one becomes fascinated by Zuni fetish carvings, it is almost inevitable that the collector will learn about the six Zuni directions and the carved animals that are associated with them.

So, how did this association come to be?

The spiritual father of all Zuni people, who was responsible for the creation and understanding of Zuni fetishes, determined that the Zuni people ("A Shiwi") were to be protected in areas surrounding their home.

The protector in the North was designated as the mountain lion.

The protector in the South was designated as the badger.

To the West, the bear was appointed as the protector.

In the East, it was the Wolf.

Protector of the upper reaches, was logically the eagle, who could soar for endless periods while maintaining watch over the people.

The responsibility for protection in the netherworld or underground was given to the mole, who burrows through the earth unseen but senses all that threatens underfoot.

The protectors also were associated with specific colors, although that "rule" has been largely superseded by the tendency to carve animals in whatever material of whatever color is available to the Zuni carver at the time.

These protective fetish carvings are considered "healers". Another set of six directional animals is considered the "hunting" set, with two of the six healing animals being replaced by animals recognized for their prowess as hunters. Coyote takes the place of the bear and bobcat replaces the badger. These animals are considered to have special powers as predators, which they transfer to the owner of the carving.

The Six Direction sets of Zuni fetish carvers

Possibly the most impressive single 6 directions carving the writer
has ever encounter. Although, to tell the truth, it is more than one piece.
The separate mole lodges in a depression in the base.

Among the wealth of beautiful and significant Zuni fetish carvings, Six Direction sets stand out. They are created by several Zuni Pueblo carvers, in several different forms.

Jayne Quam, for example, who lives with her Zuni husband and family on the Zuni Pueblo, has created them with larger single animals, usually moles, and smaller animals of the six directions bound to the exterior with sinew. Also included in the sinew often are nuggets of turquoise, coral, shell or heishi beads. Marlo Booqua also builds on a single mole, as has Daisy Natewa.

Daisy and LaVies Natewa have also created six direction sets with the underlying animal being a badger.

On the other hand, some Zuni carvers create six directions sets carved within a single stone.  Wilfred Cheama is noteworthy in this category. Colin Weeka has also carved a single specimen with six animals

Finally, some Zuni and other carvers create six separate free-standing animals of about the same size, of the same or different materials. The antler carvings of Brian Yatsattie stand out, as do the sets of Stewart Quandelacy, Lorandina Scheche, Robert Michael Weahkie and San Felipe carver, Melvin Sandoval.


All of these examples are sourced from the NEW website of ZuniLink.com. Enjoy.

PS: The carving pictured above was done by Jeff Shetima, in onyx with meticulous inlay. It was judged Best of Category at the 2010 Gallup Inter-tribal Arts and Crafts Competition and is now in our personal collection.

Caution: As a collector of Zuni fetish carvings, you probably will become enamored of six direction sets. When that happens, you will start acquiring fetish carvings by the sixes instead of individually.

Easter Will Soon Be Here. How will you celebrate?

Soon, Easter will be here.

The Resurrection of the Christ is celebrated with colored eggs, plastic chicks, chocolate bunnies and more trivia. Something seems to be missing. 

From my perspective, what's missing  is the underlying reason for Easter: 

Recognition of the gift God gave us in the living presence of Jesus.

Here's a more appropriate way to celebrate that blessing:

We are offering all of our Native American Nativities (Nacimientos) 

at 30% off between now and Easter. 

(Yes, Nativities celebrate the arrival of Jesus, not the Resurrection. Without the birth of Christ, however, would there have been a Resurrection? Surely, the life and blessing of Christ is a seamless continuum.)

So, while your mind is on it, why not order a superb Native American pottery Nativity set at 30% less than its regular low price? 

Listed at $400 - NOW $280

Listed at $1100- NOW  $770

Listed at $575 - NOW $401.50

Listed at $300 - NOW $210

Listed at $660 - NOW $462

Rather than repeat and reprice everything on the website, we have given you a handful of examples. Visit Native-PotteryLink  and, if you find a Nativity Set not listed here, simply deduct 30% from its listed price and that is what you will pay.

Even better news. You even can order now with our no-fee lay-away plan and pay off the balance in monthly installments so your worshipful pottery Nativity set is delivered in time to be included in your Christmas Decorations.

If you would like more information about Nativities/Nacimientos, this link will take you to an article on the subject in Native People Magazine. The article features Nativity Sets created by Native American artists whose work is not currently in our inventory. The author even includes contact information in the form of galleries other than Native-PotteryLink.com and some telephone numbers. Please be forewarned that telephone numbers often change and galleries come and go. Nevertheless, we are such avid supporters of Native American artists and especially their Nativity sets that, if our collection doesn't meet your needs, we suggest you buy from some other source rather than go without.

One other thought. The article doesn't mention it, but we were the first people to recommend to Wilson Romero that he consider creating Nativity sets among his carvings. So, if you contact us, we may be able to reach out to any Pueblo or Native American potter or carver with a request for something specific. Mention it to us when you call (1-800-305-0185) and we'll be happy to talk you through details.

Happy Easter and Merry Christmas.

Tribal Artery: Buying Native American jewelry? Follow these guide...

Tribal Artery: Buying Native American jewelry? Follow these guide...: Many people love  Native American jewelry , whether it be older, or vintage, items or contemporary work by such meteoric new artists as Coli...

Buying Native American jewelry? Follow these guidelines.

Many people love Native American jewelry, whether it be older, or vintage, items or contemporary work by such meteoric new artists as Colin Coonsis (Zuni).

Other contemporary favorites include Calvin Begay (Navajo),Artie Yellowhorse (Navajo), 
Rolanda Haloo (Zuni), Michael Kirk (Isleta), Charlene Reano (Kewa), Tommy Jackson (Navajo) and Debra Gasper (Zuni).

                       

Works signed by any of the above artists are fairly sure to be authentic Native American jewelry collectibles. But other jewelry, when acquired directly from the artist or through a reputable dealer may not be signed. This does not per se make them false or fake. It just increases the risk. Solution? Be certain to get a certificate of authenticity from the seller, complete with an address and contact number in case there is a problem. This does not guarantee the piece is authentic Native American, but it does give you a place to turn if the authenticity of the piece is challenged.

Such challenges are not unusual. The Native American jewelry trade is very competitive. Some dealers will do anything to undercut a competing dealer's reputation and credibility. At the same time, there is a moderately heavy traffic in seriously fraudulent jewelry, as made by non-Indians and often as imported from other countries. There has been a reduction in the latter as a result of the Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act that requires imports to be labeled as to country of origin. Nevertheless, fakers are very ingenious and there is money to be made from naive buyers. 

Years ago, there was a village in the Philippines named "Zuni". Jewelry made there by Philippine nationals, designed to sneak under the radar as Native American, would be labeled "Made in Zuni"  It just wasn't the Zuni in New Mexico, USA.

What to look for? As stated above, a signature or known hallmark is a good indicator of the artist's Native American credentials. Lacking that, ask the seller who the artist was. If the seller does not have a Certificate of Authenticity, at least have him or her write the artist's name legibly on a piece of paper. That gives you documentary evidence of what was claimed to have been sold to you.

Check the descriptions. Hand-made and hand-crafted are not the same thing. The former means made from scratch. The latter can be assembled by a Native from preformed parts. Also beware of terms such as Indian-style, Native-style and Southwestern. These a common dodges that dealers who may also sell higher-end, true Native American jewelry use to disguise that a lesser quality, lower cost item isn't actually made by a Native American.

When looking at materials be sure the silver is marked sterling or .925 unless it is an older piece with its principle value as an "antique".

One does not see much gold these days simply because of its cost. The artist must purchase the gold, requiring a substantial investment. Most Native American artists don't have that kind of money to sit on while they wait for a finished product and a sale.

One of the most commonly used gemstones is turquoise.  There a several grades of turquoise. Describing them is beyond the scope of this article, but sources of this information are available on line. Another popular material is coral, although coral is becoming rare due to the endangered reefs from which is harvested. Some Indian jewelry artists use red shell for the crimson color coral once commonly imparted. It can be a dazzling material, at a fraction of the cost of real coral. 

Other rarer, more expensive materials include lapis lazuli, often abbreviated to "lapis", sugilite, malachite, gaspeite, mother of pearl, jet and opal. Most opal these days is man-made, also known disparagingly as "fauxpal", lab opal or created opal.

Natural gem-quality opal, most of which comes from overseas, is difficult to find, hard to mine and prohibitively expensive for American Indian artists. Fauxpal opal is just as attractive and much more affordable. (For many years, however, authorities would not allow man-made opal to be offered at Native American jewelry sale events. The rules have been relaxed and now most shows only require full disclosure as to the nature of the material.)

Another material sometimes found in Native American jewelry, especially from the Northwest, is fossil ivory. This material was harvest by Pacific artists years, often generations ago. It is not elephant ivory. It comes originally from walrus tusks left over after beasts were taken for food. A problem with fossil ivory, and one reason you won't find it on websites like eBay, is that trade in elephant ivory is discouraged and marine mammal parts may not be exported. 

In summary, Native American jewelry is a fascinating subject made more so by its complexity. If you are looking for that "trophy" piece of Native American jewelry, expect to pay for it. If you find something that looks like the real thing at a bargain price, it probably is not. If you love it anyway, go ahead buy it. After all there is a big market in counterfeit Rolex watches. Just don't be deluded that you have something that is what it pretends to be.

Perhaps most important in assuring you are not cheated is to know your seller. Dealers usually have years of experience and scores of satisfied customers. Check them out online. Look for websites demonstrating English as a first language. Look over their testimonials or referrals. If considering a very expensive piece, ask the dealer if you can check with an existing customer. Any reputable dealer will be happy to help you confirm its reputation and best practices.

In the end, genuine Native American jewelry is such a pleasure to own, it is worth the effort to satisfy yourself before buying.

Share our excitement about improvements in our Native-American-jewelry.org site

[We have just redesigned our bracelet offerings to include them all on one page.]

In celebration and in keeping with the Thanksgiving season, we are offering a 20% discount and FREE U.S. shipping for the next 4 days. We will close the 20% discount on Sunday, November 30.

If you want to score some authentic, hand-selected Native American jewelry at 20% off the already low internet prices, visit

http://www.Native-American-jewelry.org/Native_American_jewelry_bracelets_page.htm

today or this weekend. Sooner is better since each piece is one-of-a-kind. When sold, it is no longer available.

Something else to think about:

If you use our free, pay-as-you-like layaway plan, you can lock in the discounted price and pay it off over a period that suits you. Either way, just call us at

1-800-305-0185 (toll-free)

and give us your order over the phone. Nothing is more secure and we can confirm on the phone if the jewelry of your desire is still available.

One more thing:

While we are emphasizing bracelets, the 20% discount applies to all Native American jewelry on our entire Native American jewelry website. When you call us, we can tell you what your discounted price will be before you place your order.

Okay. One more thing.

If you don't live in Florida, we do not add sales tax to your purchase. How you handle any applicable non-Florida tax rates is your business.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season.  

Native-PotteryLink Offers More Than 20 New Native American Pottery Nativity Sets For Christmas

Native-PotteryLink has acquired more than 20 Native American pottery Nativity sets depicting and celebrating the birth of Christ.

This 10 pc Nativity set from Jemez potter Felicia Fragua can add both reverent and joyous touches to any Christian home.

Online PR News – 10-November-2014 – Fort Myers, Florida – With more and more Christians professing their faith and the approach of Christmas 2014, Native-PotteryLink, the online resource for authentic Native American art and crafts, has acquired a score of new pottery Nativity sets by craftspeople at Jemez Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo and Santa Clara Pueblo.

These superbly crafted works of Christian art are each made by hand with special reverence and will make a proud addition to any Christian celebration of the Nativity. Each Nativity includes at least pottery representations of the Christ child, Mary & Joseph, More extensive Nativity sets include wise men shepherds, beasts of the field and stable and angels. Some are presented in a kiva setting, illustrating the merger of Native and Western beliefs. Native Americans, especially Pueblo Indians from the Southwest have long been Christians, in addition to their Native beliefs, after exposure to the teachings missionary priests that accompanied the Spanish incursion into what are now California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Hence so many communities bearing the names of saints.

Orders received before December 1st can be assured of delivery in time for this Christmas season.

William Waites, co-owner of Native-Potterylink.com adds, "In addition, at his time, Native-PotteryLInk is offering extended payments with its free layaway plan. Purchasers may place a hold on the Pueblo pottery items of their choice, including Nativity sets and storytellers, with a modest 10% to 20% down payment, followed by monthly payments in amounts determined by the purchaser. There is no fee or interest."Visit Our Site

On the eve of Veterans Day, we salute all US military vets,

On the eve of Veterans Day, we salute all US military vets, but especially the courageous members of the U S Marine Corps. Navajo Code Talkers, the last of which, Chester Nez, died on June 4, 2014 at his home in Albuquerque, NM. He was 93 years old. 

The Navajo Code Talkers, also later known as Wind Talkers, the title of a fictional movie based on their efforts in World War II, were active in every major campaign in the Pacific Theater.

Between their native language, which was unwritten at the time and heavily dependent on tonality for understanding, and cryptology the Navajo Code Talkers developed for use in battle, the messages sent were never broken by the Japanese. As result, the Code Talkers were able to communicate strategy, commands and results from positions in the midst of battle in the matter not of the customary minutes, but in less than 30 seconds.

Navajo Code Talkers were instrumental and critical in the success of Marine and other US military engagements throughout the Pacific. To be clear, while the Navajo Code Talkers in the US Marines while the most celebrated Code Talkers, they were not the only Native Americans engaged in cryptology on the Allies side in wars. Cherokees, Choctaws, Comanches and Meskwakis also participated in WWI and WWII.

The exploits of the Navajos in the Marine Corps in WWII are the best known and deservedly so. The Japanese had broken previous English-based codes, often with success in battles as a result. These brave Native Americans faced remarkable battlefield dangerous to help the United State prevail in the Pacific. All Americans owe them a massive debt of gratitude. As recognized in a special message from the Marine Corps upon the passing of Chester Nez, the last living Navajo Code Talker, "We mourn his passing but honor and celebrate the indomitable spirit and dedication of those Marines who became known as the Navajo code talkers,"

This tradition of heroic service by Native Americans continues today as Zuni Indians, artists and carvers, head off to fight forest fires every year at the height of the fire season in the West.

Give Your Zuni Fetish Carvings a Place to Feed & Shelter

As traditional as Zuni fetish carvings are, there is a companion tradition that every Zuni fetish collector should engage with: The Zuni Fetish Bowl. 

Usually coated with turquoise or other crushed stone, it contains ground turquoise and corn meal to provide nourishment for the hard-working protective fetishes of Zuni belief.

A small hole in the side wall allows access for the fetishes to enter and exit the fetish bowl. Often other fetish carvings were attached to the circumference wall.

ZuniLink.com now has a new fetish bowl created by Robert Michael Weahkie, scion of the famous Weahkie clan of carvers, which includes Lena Boone, Dinah Gasper, Evalena Boone, Leland Boone, Debra Gasper and Peter Gasper Jr.

Since the price of turquoise has escalated so much, the 5" x 6" size of this Zuni fetish bowl dictated a coating of ground sodalite, similar in color to turquoise, although more intensely blue. (Believers in the powers of gemstone minerals attribute strong healing powers to sodalite.)

Inside the bowl is a mole carved from antler by Robert Michael Weahkie. The mole is considered a protector of threats from the netherworld. Atop the opening of the bowl, suspended by crossed strands of sinew, rests an eagle carved from antler, protector for the heavens. Surrounding the bowl are four more fetish directional protectors, each also carved from antler: mountain lion, bear, badger and wolf.

Robert Michael Weahkie favors antler for his carvings, which also  include altar figures of varying sizes. All of his artistry and other Zuni artists can be seen at http://www.ZuniLink.com.

Aboriginals:Art of the First Person Salutes Native American Heritage month

Recognizing the remarkable contributions that Native American artist have made to the entire country's cultural and aesthetic experience, We are happy and proud to celebrate November as

Native American Heritage Month.

From the bead work and basketry of the East Coast Tribes to the jewelry and carvings of the Southwest to the masks and rattles of the Pacific Northwest, indigenous Native Americans have enriched our understanding nature, reinforced our faith and provided visual delights that put us more in touch with our inner beings.

In particular, we constantly marvel at the mastery displayed by Zuni fetish carvers, the splendor of Native jewelry, the intricacy of handwoven Indian baskets and the beauty of Pueblo pottery, all of which are now available to collectors online.

We pray that these excellent traditions continue as they are passed to younger generations.

Why us?

We don't blame people for wondering why they should buy from us rather than from one of the other companies that offer Native American art, pottery, carvings and jewelry.

Perhaps this testimonial we received the other day sets the tone for an answer:

"Wonderful folk art.  Great website!  An endless array of gifts for my wife.  What a find.  Thanks again, - C.H.

Then there was this: 

Thank you, Susanne! It is a delight to buy something beautiful, and to have such personalized customer service. - B.D.

Beyond that, here are some other reasons:

We have been at this business since 1979. In thirty-five years, we have had two returns. 

We know almost all of the Native American artists whose work we carry. They are our personal friends.

We are not a big outfit. Just the two of us and we cherry-pick every item we buy.

Because we are so small, we are not required to collect sales tax on any sales from outside of Florida.

We sell authentic Native American-made items. Our membership in the Indian Arts & Crafts Association requires it. Many other merchants are not IACA members. 

We only buy what we like. We don't try to guess what you will like. If you appreciate our taste and integrity, you will be satisfied. If you are not satisfied for any reason, we will refund your purchase price. Period.

We operate from our home so we don't have much overhead to cover when it comes to pricing. We buy at a fair wholesale price, determined by the seller.

We pay cash on the spot so that the seller has the money to buy more supplies or meet personal expenses.

We do NOT deal in consignment where the artist must wait to receive his or her money.

We pay extra to provide a secure order form and a toll-free phone number.

We profoundly want and need your business, but only if you are happy with our products and guarantee.

If you have any questions, ask us
when you call 1-800-305-0135. 

Have you noticed...

Have you noticed the commercials and postings about Christmas sales? In September, no less? Almost 3 months before the holiday season?

By early next week, we will be in the home stretch for holiday sales and gift giving suggestions. So, while it is early, we beg your indulgence for a simple reason.

Many people wait until the last minute to acquire decorations for their holiday celebration. Unfortunately, they can find that suddenly it is too late to buy them because they will not arrive in time to be included in the decor scheme. We understand the temptation. History suggests that the closer we get to Christmas, the lower the price will go.

No matter how much we love an object, we all love a bargain. We will even risk missing the opportunity to get something unique - because it is already sold - waiting for "a discount."

Here is our offer at http://www.Native-PotteryLink.com. 

We have added a number of new Native American pottery Nativity sets, all splendid celebrations of the birth of Christ, and posted them to our web pages. Each is one-of-a-kind, hand selected from the artists by us for their sensitivity and artistry. Each has been priced at a standard mark-up to cover our costs for travel and online posting. 

For a limited time, now through October 25th, we will discount the listed prices by 25% in order to have the advance notice to ship to you in time for your Christmas decor.

Check them out at http://native-potterylink.com/Pueblo-Pottery-Native-American-Nativities-Page.htm.

Order the one you want by using our secure, encrypted order form or by calling our toll-free line at 1-800-305-0185. Simply add the term "Joy to the World" to your order form or when you call us. We will subtract 25% from the listed price.

After the offer period ends, the price willbe locked in as listed. So act now and save. 

PS: We also have several new Santa Claus-themed Native American storyteller figures. We give the same terms for those.

PPS: You can even use our free layaway plan to order at the reduced price and take delivery in the next months. You pay 20% when ordering and agree to provide at least one payment each month thereafter, in the amount and at the timing you choose.until the full, discounted amount has been paid.

Merry Christmas!

Hear comes Indian Market...

Here in Santa Fe, the excitement is building. There are gallery openings all over. The usual pre-weekend shows are being staged. The Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association had its annual meeting. Sadly, I sensed a feeling of surrender in the pursuit of a reasonable approach to dealing with the ivory. Thursday night is the sneak preview of Market Award winners. Saturday and Sunday the streets around the Plaza will be studded with canopied artists' booths. We have had pre-market visits with most of regular Native American jewelry artists. Saturday, we hope to meet more and new ones. Stay with us: We recognize we have been a little lax in recent postings to this blog. We plan to step up the activity. Thanks for sticking with us.

A letter in opposition to the proposed ban on ivory sales. ----- Honorable Representative Curt Clawson: This letter is written in opposition to the proposed ivory ban. Please let me tell you why. My wife and I have been working with Native Americans and Native Alaskans for years, buying and selling their artwork. This a form of subsistence for them and often includes carvings of walrus tusk ivory. They acquire the ivory as a by-product of hunting for food. We are concerned that the recently proposed ban on ivory sales, intended to protect African and Asian elephants, will lead to a similar ban on walrus tusk ivory or, at least, widespread confusion discouraging sale of walrus ivory as well. We could accept those conditions if common sense told us the recently proposed ivory ban will achieve its intended goal. On the contrary, with reports from Africa indicating that an elephant is being killed every 15 minutes. An Ivory ban will do too little, too late to have any significant impact on well-intended efforts to stop the slaughter of elephants by African and Asian poachers. Only direct and immediate action at the source can prevent the possible extinction of the elephant. The proposed ban is an act of “feels good” legislation that does not address the problem. It will, however, have an adverse impact on law-abiding antique dealers, collectors, museums, musicians and others who possess legal older objects containing ivory, not mention Native artists who depend on marine ivory carvings as a source of income and sustenance. What is needed is enforcement of existing anti-poaching laws in the country of origin and preservation of habitat. The United States needs to direct funds and effort at the problem in Africa and Asia. The present U.S. emphasis on an ivory ban will divert media attention and resources from the real problem and will provide the false impression that it will save the elephant. It won’t. Extinction of the elephant could occur within the next 10 years if we do nothing on the ground. The ivory ban will not extend the lifetime of the elephant by a single day, while it penalizes countless thousands of Americans who have done nothing wrong. Please, in the economic and social interest of these potential victims, DO NOT support this ban. Thank you. Sincerely, William Ernest Waites 15194 Harbour Isle Drive Fort Myers, FL 33908

Crossing the other Delaware: a personal view of Christmas

Reprinting, with permission, an article from the Florida Weekly Not directly pertinant to Tribal Art, but a worthy read anyway.

rwilliams@floridaweekly.com

In the American cultural vernacular, which may prove as confusing to you as it frequently does to me, the first Christmas did not occur 2,013 years ago.

Instead, the first Christmas took place exactly 237 years ago on a frigid night a few miles north of Philadelphia.

In this whimsical, transformative nation, holidays that began as one thing inevitably become another, and none more so than Christmas.

During the evening of Dec. 25, 1776, Christmas Love (defined as the love of Christ come, for Christians) must have seemed as remote as the North Pole to the 2,400 men who crossed the Delaware River out of Pennsylvania. They moved out in sleet and snow equipped with newly issued flints for their weapons on George Washington’s command, gathering on the riverfront from positions near McKonkey’s Ferry.

At that point the self-declared United States of America — where you and I will eat to our heart’s content this Christmas — amounted to 174 days worth of upstart nation. Brand new, the nation was also under siege, wrapped in a winter storm, and starving.

Most of Washington’s men couldn’t swim, but they swallowed their fear. Ice floes in the river presented a significant danger to their heavily-laden boats as they labored in frigid darkness toward the Jersey shore.

None of it was pretty. In sloppy, struggling fashion, commanders and a regiment of experienced seamen from Marblehead, Mass., with others, finally landed the force mostly intact at Trenton, on the east bank of the river.

There, things changed forever. That fact remains the nation’s most singular Christmas gift to itself.

The Americans caught the winter-encamped Hessian troops (competent professional soldiers in the pay of the British army) completely off guard and drunk. Thus they won the first real victory in our history, at the end of what had been a very bad year.

Had Washington been killed or captured — a distinct possibility since he was among the first to land on the far shore — history would have gone barking up a different tree.

It almost did, anyway. Previously, his men had succeeded only in having their rear ends kicked out of New York and chased all over New Jersey by the British and their allies.

But only six days before Christmas, Thomas Paine came out with a feisty pamphlet called “Common Sense,” in Philadelphia. It included the most famous lines he ever wrote. The language was so compelling that against all reason it boosted morale among the half-frozen, half-sick, woefully undernourished Americans.

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” Mr. Paine wrote. “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

No doubt many would have settled for an easier conflict and reduced rations of glory along with a hot meal, but they weren’t given the choice.

For all those Americans, including women, children and the old people left to manage farms and homes, Christmas Love required sacrifice and the recognition of imminent mortality.

To all of them, everything must have seemed tenuous.

I’ve always thought of Christmas that way, too — as a time when existence can become, paradoxically, both sumptuous and desperate.

In such a time, each of us must cross our own Delaware, which means that each of us must define Christmas Love as any force or energy that allows us to make the crossing, no matter how tenuously or what shape it takes.

If, for example, you haven’t spoken to a relative or an old friend with whom you’ve fallen out, you’re facing the river.

If you haven’t forgiven yourself for a mistake made in another time — which means confronting your own weakness or blindness, and moving on — you’re facing the river.

If the echoes of the dead or the memories of Christmases past become not the voices of angels but a chorus of tyrants beckoning you to surrender the joyous moment in order to suffer the once-upon-a-time, you’re facing the river.

Charles Dickens, the great British novelist, knew the music of this tune intimately, which was why he wrote “A Christmas Carol.”

In any case, something has to be faced and changed. And you have to face it and change it. Christmas is a time to do that, just as it was for Washington and the men, women and children who faced his Delaware River.

For somebody I never knew, here’s one more Delaware. Late on Dec. 24, 1976, I drove out of the gates of Camp Lejeune, N.C., home of the Second Marine Division, bound toward Wilmington 50 or so miles to the south. I was bent on attending midnight Mass at an orthodox church.

The narrow two-lane blacktop ribboned a North Carolina night so black in the flat piedmont that I could see nothing beyond my own headlights for miles, until a flashing of red and blue came distantly into view.

I slowed, approached and passed. Two cars had collided head on. The bodies of five dead lay under sheets near the devastated wreckage. Midnight was 90 minutes away.

At the church, a packed Christmas celebration of such candlelit, incense-infused magnificence occurred — with chanting, bells, the sprinkling of holy water and all the sensuous ornamentation of celebratory life — that I’ve never been able to forget either the blood or the glory.

And now it’s only Christmas Love I want for them: for those nameless souls who may still cherish the victims of that long ago night. May they, with all of us, find it in themselves to cross the other Delaware. ¦

— A version of this column originally ran on Dec. 21, 2011.

In tribal art, what is the value of good service?

Sue and I were talking this morning about the number of really satisfying feedback comments we get. I use the term “satisfying” because that's what they are. When you receive good service from us, not only does it benefit you, it also benefits us. There is something positively rewarding about hearing from people who feel they had a good experience with us.

So, we work very diligently to provide response-worthy service. Sometimes we mess up. After all, unlike the big companies, we are human. Two human beings who select items for resale that we would be happy to own ourselves if no one buys them. (Once, we tried to buy for the “market”. We bought some things we weren't crazy about but thought others would like. We were wrong. And disappointed. It was a lesson re-learned every time we looked at something we were not that fond of. From then on, we vowed to buy only items that pleased us. That way, if they are not sold, we have the pleasure of enjoying them ourselves.)

But I have digressed somewhat from the subject of good service and its value. 

The point is, when we treat people the way we would like to be treated, it has intrinsic value for us. We feel good about doing it. We hope you do too. And when you tell us about it, we are thrilled.

Which brings me to the other component of value, price. We price our items at a level that provides us with a modest amount of income to cover our risk, expense and a few dollars for groceries. Since we buy at wholesale, the price to our buyer is seldom any more than what the buyer would pay directly to the maker – if they could get that opportunity.

Still we get buyers who ask, “Is that they best you can do?” We are not offended. We understand that value is set by the buyer. If the asking price is higher than the buyer thinks the item is worth, we would rather have her ask for a discount that balances the value equation for her than walk away without something that she valued enough to ask about in the first place. If we have any room to bargain, we will.

What bothers us is other re-sellers who are constantly in “sale mode”. They price an item at more than it's worth and then put it “on sale” at a price that is its actual worth. Who are they fooling? Do they think so little of their customers' intelligence that they believe you don't know what they are doing? Incidentally, these people are often the same as those who subtly mislead in their descriptions of the items. On headlined “Native American art”, they include numerous items described as “Southwestern-style” without specifically saying that they are NOT made by indigenous Native American Indians.

All these elements constitute “good service” : quality merchandise, honestly presented, guaranteed authentic with satisfaction guaranteed, properly packed, promptly shipped and willingly tracked in the event of delivery problems.

This becomes even more important at this time of year, when buyers want their purchases delivered in time for the holiday. As of today, the post office assures us that the deadline for shipping with that expectation is five days off. Of course, there are alternatives such as overnight shippers, at higher cost. And, if you are within 25 miles of South Fort Myers, we will personally deliver any purchase of $100 or more to your address, at no extra charge.

If you would like to receive e-alerts of our new items, sales (real one) or other news of tribal art happenings, sign up here.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. And thanks for your attention. 

Sales Tax Across State Lines

If you are a person who buys art on line, you must be aware that your purchases are only subject to sales tax collection by the seller if the seller is in the same state as you. (Because the law says residents of one state can't be forced to collect another state's taxes)

Aside from that, imagine the burden on a seller if it was required to figure, collect and remit sales tax for every taxing jurisdiction in the country.

So if you live in New York and buy from us in Florida, we don't have to add New York tax to your bill. And, since you don't live in Florida, you don't have to pay Florida tax either.

But, that may be about to change as governors in states that think they are losing badly needed tax revenue are making noises about finding a way to make companies like ours pay taxes that the current law does not require.

Our advice is to move up any planned online purchase to beat the tax. If you are thinking of buying beautiful piece of Navajo or Zuni jewelry as a gift for someone for Christmas, best to do it now. Are you saving to acquire a long-admired Zuni fetish carving? Best to order it now. Same thing if you are a pottery collector thinking of getting piece of authentic Pueblo Pottery. For example, a Navajo wedding vase for an impending wedding or a pottery nativity scene for holiday decoration.

Smart people anticipate changes like this and get out in front of them. Of course, the current laws usually require that you, as a purchaser, are required to notify your state tax authority about your purchases and send them a tax payment. But that's between you and your state tax collector.

In the mean time, if you order from us in July, we will discount the purchase price equal to your state's current sales tax rate. Just let us know when you order. Thank you.

Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps and Thank You to the Navajo Code Talkers

Not enough people are aware of the contribution made to the US victory in the Pacific by the Navajo Code Talkers, represented here by this set of carvings by Navajo artist, Renzo Reed. 
Using their native language, which the Japanese did not understand, they were able to transmit coded messages about troop movements and Japanese garrisons. Thank you to all.

Additional Navajo folk art carvings are offered @ http://www.TribalWorks.com in the Native American Gallery.

The difference between handmade jewelry and hand craft work jewelry. 

Courtesy of Sam Manygoats 

Navajo handmade jewelry is different from hand craft work jewelry. George Francis, a master Native American silversmith, explains the difference between the two arts. Please support authentic Native American arts and subscribe to this channel as we will be releasing new informative Native American art videos every week.

Thanks for viewing this video, offered by http://www.Native-American-Jewelry.org.

August Events in Tribal Arts

August 2-4 - Albuquerque NM Great Southwestern Antiques Show at NM State Fairgounds 
505-255-4054

August 3-4 - Flagstaff, AZ 64th Annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture at Museum of Northern Arizona 
928-774-5213

August 7-11 - Red Rocks State Park, (Gallup, NM) 92nd Annual InterTribal Ceremonial
505-363-3896

August 8-10 - Santa Fe, NM 30th Annual Antique Ethnographic Art Show
505-992-8929

August 9-13 - Santa Fe, NM Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association workshops and evaluations at Santa Fe Convention Center

August 10-13 - Santa Fe Objects of Art Show at El Museo
310-901-6805

August 9-10 - Santa Fe Doug Alard's Best of Santa Fe Auction 
888-314-0343

August 10-11 - Santa Fe Auction by Manitou Gallery at Historic Hilton Hotel, Santa Fe
307-635-0019

August 10-12 - 35th Annual Whitehawk Antique Indian Art Show at Santa Fe Convention Center
505-992-8929

August 12-18 - Santa Fe SWAIA Indian Market in and around the Plaza

August 15-16 - Santa Fe Wheelwright Museum silent auction and live auction on Museum property.

August 22-25 - Baltimore, MD Summer Antiques Show at Baltimore Convention Center
561-822-5440

Who will feel impact of Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013?

As currently defined, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, if passed will require merchants in one state to collect tax on purchases made from a different state, even if there is no other connection between the business and the other state. In other words, even if the seller has no store in that state.

There is a exemption for businesses with annual revenues of less than $1 million. 

What will be the impact on eBay, which certainly has sales in excess of $1 million a year. 

They could argue they are only a distribution service or an advertising medium; therefor they have no financial interest in the prices collected for items purchased trough them.

But, consider that they charge % fee for each sale. Doesn't that sound like financial interest to you?

So, will they be required to add an appropriate tax for each purchase and forward it the taxing authority for the buyer's state of residence?  Will that 5% to 7% tax collection be added to the purchase price of the seller? Will that diminish eBay's attractiveness for "bargain-hunters" and the listers who sell to them, many of whom deal in Indian arts?

'tis a puzzlement.

Do you sell through eBay? What is your opinion of the Marketplace Fairness Act ? What are your plans to cover the shortfall of revenue this may cost you? Join the conversation.