Shonto Begay’s Paintings Tell Stories of Contemporary Native American Life Shonto Begay stood in a far corner of the room, quietly watching as collectors inspected his work during the first few minutes of his exhibition opening at Medicine Man Gallery. His expression was impassive, but his eyes sharp and bright. He took it all in […]
Shonto Begay, Native American painter Read Post »
Learn about the most renowned pueblo potter Few craft artists can claim the worldwide honor and fame bestowed upon Maria Martinez during her lifetime. This modest, traditional, Pueblo woman received honorary degrees from major universities, countless medals and citations from governments and institutions, and special invitations to the White House from four different Presidents. She
Maria Martinez, potter of San Ildefonso Read Post »
What you need to know about these highly collectible textiles Are you attracted to the beauty and craftsmanship of Navajo rugs but confused by all the terminology being thrown around in the galleries? Here’s a brief history of Navajo weaving that will help you sort out the most common terms, and give you a head
Quick guide to Navajo Rugs Read Post »
Learn about these iconic Navajo weavings Navajo chiefs blankets are the most recognizable and valuable of all Navajo weavings. They have been collected not only by other Native Americans before the United States even existed, but also by such notable collectors as William Randolph Hearst. A chiefs blanket could be purchased for around fifty dollars
Navajo Chief’s blankets Read Post »
Not all Maria Martinez pottery is black-on-black When you hear the name Maria Martinez, one automatically envisions the wonderful black on black pottery for which she and her husband Julian became famous. For the serious Maria collector however, the rarest and most desirable of all Maria’s work are her polychrome pots. The term polychrome refers
Maria and Julian Martinez polychrome pottery Read Post »
Expert tips on starting and maintaining your collection of American Indian jewelry by Dr. Mark Sublette, owner of Medicine Man Gallery The use of turquoise has been around the southwest since prehistoric times. A brief historical recap The Anasazi used turquoise and shell to make beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings as well as decorate effigies. Using
How to collect Native American jewelry Read Post »
The gift of Spider Woman: Symbols and motifs in Navajo weavings by Jerry Freund For the traditional Navajo family, the Holy People who created the Navajo were very powerful deities. They traveled on the “sun’s rays” and descended into the world on “lightning bolts.” It was Changing Woman who taught the Navajo how to live
Symbols and motifs in Navajo weaving Read Post »
Learn about this unusual form of Navajo weaving Saddle blankets occupy a curious niche in the history of Navajo weaving. They are the only type of textile that were simultaneously popular among Anglos, Hispanics and the Navajo themselves. Consequently saddle blankets have an aesthetic and technical history very different from that of the ubiquitous Navajo
Navajo saddle blankets Read Post »
A conversation about collecting historic pueblo pottery With Michael Ettema, Ex-Director of the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, Arizona and Dr. Mark Sublette, President / CEO of Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery Ettema: How did you become a Pueblo pottery dealer and how long have you been in business? Sublette: Growing up in New