We attended the 95th annual Indian Market on Saturday. It opens at 7AM; we got there at 7:30 AM. Serious collectors are out early to buy up the prize winning items. We're serious admirers. An award winning single handcrafted bolo tie sold for $4000. The best artist this year, and last year as well, carves wooden kachinas (ceremonial dolls). They sell for up to $8000. A miniature basket made from whale gut that I would have loved to possess was priced at $600; its size not much bigger than your thumb. Her miniature jacket sold for upward of $8000.
Here are a few prize winners. Many of the artists do not want their art photographed.
This is the time to people watch -- the costumes of artists and buyers are delightful. Santa Fe must sink a little at this time of year as everyone is wearing their silver and turquoise and coral jewelry. I mean just take a look at the size of the turquoise stones the man on the left is wearing on his bolo tie and on his belt and bracelet?
Then there is Raphael wearing the custom shirt I designed for him to wear on just such an occasion.
Raphael poses here with Miss Gallup, New Mexico. And below a closeup of my Native Indian bracelet.
This is the largest Indian Market in the world and some of the object on display absolutely take your breath away. We talked to artists from every corner of North America, including Alaska and Canada.
The Maine, Michigan and other northeastern basket weavers lament the dying of the black ash trees because of a beetle. Their baskets are intricate and beautiful. Raised beaded artistry made by Natives in New York state as opposed the the flat beaded work that is common around here.
Other miscellaneous pictures.
