Way Out West: Treasures from the Trading Post 1880-2000

April 4, 2024

We are pleased to present our newest collection which draws inspiration from the trading posts of the past. Trading posts served many purposes, as gathering spots, dry goods stores, a place to sell livestock and an important venue for Native artists to sell their work. Whether it be historic weavings from Ganado or Teec Nos Pas, the vintage tools given new life by the beadwork of Les Berryhill (Yuchi/Muscogee) or an antique Olla from Acoma Pueblo, all of the pieces in the collection speak to the myriad artistic traditions that were integral to trading posts over their long history.

Black and White and Wool All Over

March 6, 2024

We are pleased to present a collection of historic Diné weavings set amidst a chic group of favorite finds, both from close to home and further afield. Whether looking to add a piece of history to your home or a creative way to stand out from the flock, these one of a kind pieces prove that there is nothing basic about black and white. From the deceptively simple expanse of a creamy white wool saddle blanket, to the crisp graphics of black and white Spiderwoman crosses scattered across a field of woven diamonds, the weavings in this collection are made of undyed wool, colors painstakingly selected from personal flocks, carded, spun and woven with precision, a true testament to the patience, skill and vision that has made Navajo weavers famous the world over.

Heart Thumping, Blood Pumping: February 2024

February 1, 2024

Most collectors know the visceral reaction that can come with finding a perfect specimen. Heart starts pounding, blood starts pumping. Some people stutter, are short of breath, see spots. The feeling has been compared to the relief you experience when you find something that has been lost. Or to seeing your crush across a crowded room. Finding just what you were looking for, or something you never knew you needed can produce feelings of euphoria..kinda like being in love. Whether it’s an exquisitely crafted ring by Kewa master Julian Lovato, a miniature wedding vase by Nancy Youngblood or a vintage weaving with “I love you” spelled out in Diné, we hope that there is something in this collection to get your heart thumping.

Burnished Birds and Black Bears: Pueblo Pottery 1880-1930

January 18, 2024

Around 1930, a middle aged woman sitting in the sun outside of her home in Zuni set down her yucca fiber brush and stretched her hands out. The beautifully formed pot sitting on the packed earth beside her was not one of her largest ollas, but carried the unmistakable brush work that made her the most renowned potter of her community and known by her name: Tsayutitsa. Bulbous and beautifully formed, the olla was one of hundreds of pots made over a long career that responded to the voracious demand by outsiders for Pueblo pottery. While Native peoples of the Southwest have been making pottery for thousands of years, the latter half of the 19th century ushered in a period of unprecedented production, mostly responding to outside interests. Initially spurred by ethnologists and institutions, as well as the railroad passing directly through many Pueblos, by the 1930’s the demand for Pueblo pottery was propelled by travelers and tourists to the Southwest and represented a valuable activity for Native communities. Shiprock Santa Fe is pleased to present an exceptional new collection of painted Pueblo pottery from a local collector, ranging from 1880’s-1930’s.

Holiday Shine 2023

December 14, 2023

We are pleased to present an enticing array of vintage Navajo silver, the perfect present for the person who has everything.

Everlasting Beauty: The World of Charles Loloma & Sonwai

December 7, 2023

We are pleased to present an unprecedented selection of work by legendary artist Charles Loloma. One of the most admired and collected Native artists of the 20th century, Loloma was a true visionary who challenged conventional notions of Native American art. His close relationship with fashion designer Lloyd Kiva New led to his first shop, a friendship with Frank Lloyd Wright and eventually being founding faculty at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, NM. Through his use of unusual and unexpected materials, and his wildly innovative design, Charles rose to international fame and remains highly collectable. While much of his work was abstract, he also drew inspiration from his deep dedication to ritual life at Hopi. From an early age, his niece Verma Nequatewa began working with him, first as his apprentice and then later as his stonecutter. Charles Loloma’s artistic legacy of creativity and beauty is continued with Verma’s own singular creations as Sonwai.

Un-folk-gettable: Creativity and Innovation 1880-2020

November 9, 2023

Characterized by creativity and ingenuity, we are pleased to present a collection for appreciators of the unusual. A boy's school chest, carved with the iconography of his community and culture. A masterpiece of Navajo weaving, depicting dancing couples surrounded by an onlooking border of farm animals. An artist whose name was once known, who used traditional techniques to decorate the case for a newer type of tool: scissors. Ranging from known artists like Rick Dillingham or Charlie Willeto, to artists whose names have been lost, this collection celebrates creativity in a myriad of forms.

Perfected Imperfection: Shiprock Santa Fe + Jill Sharp Weeks

October 14, 2023

The graphic lines of a transitional Navajo weaving, woven entirely in un-dyed sheep’s wool. A turquoise tab necklace, white heishi polished with patient skill, then worn smooth through years of wear. A hand hammered Navajo copper mug. These are some of the items selected by Jill Sharp Weeks, who brings her discerning eye and distinctive taste for a special exhibit in gallery and online. A passionate designer, stylist and collector, Jill is fascinated by the interplay of scale and simplicity. A central feature of this collection are three significant Colonial New Mexican graneros. These utilitarian grain chests have their own stark beauty, decorations limited to plain chip carving or the natural planks of an ancient pine tree, relics from a simpler age.  Whether effortlessly layering antique Navajo jewelry or remodeling her contemporary adobe home with thoughtfully reclaimed materials, she fearlessly and flawlessly executes her vision. We are pleased to present a unique curated collection from a dear friend. 

Sonwai and Ken Williams Jr. 2023

August 12, 2023

Annual Indian Market Show and Sale. Open House with the artists August 17th, 12-2pm.

Summer Squash Blossoms

July 20, 2023

During the heat of midsummer when summer gardens are bursting with life and the streets of Santa Fe are bustling with visitors, our favorite accessory is that most iconic of Southwestern necklaces: the Squash Blossom. The origins of this necklace trace back thousands of years to the many cultures of the Mediterranean, where pomegranates have long been a symbol of fertility, paradise and love. When the Spanish first came to the Americas, they brought this imagery with them in the form of decorative buttons. It was the genius of the Native peoples of the Southwest who refined this form, combined it with the crescent naja and named the bulbous, fecund looking beads after the squashes growing in their carefully tended fields. Please join us in celebrating the fruitfulness of summer with this juicy collection of squash blossom necklaces.

Zuni Toons

July 7, 2023

From a single owner collection, put together over many years, this limited run exhibition features figural Zuni inlay with recognizable pop culture characters.

Snow Cloud: Silverwork by Bernard Dawahoya c.1980-1998

June 29, 2023

We are honored to present an extensive collection of work by Hopi master silversmith Masqueva, known to most as Bernard Dawahoya (1935-2011). Bernard Dawahoya was a storyteller, weaver, painter and kachina carver, but found the most renown for his work in silver. Dawahoya began silversmithing as a teenager and worked until almost the end of his life. All examples in this collection are Hopi overlay, where each design is painstakingly sawed out by hand and then soldered over a separate piece of silver, which in turn has been oxidized and matted to create texture. It is always a rare treat to acquire a large collection from a single jeweler. In this case, this group was purchased directly from Bernard over the course of 20 years, and serves as a one of a kind archive for an exceptional jeweler.

Unbounded Creativity: Navajo Transitional Weavings 1880-1900

June 8, 2023

We welcome the joyous colors of summer to Shiprock Santa Fe with an exhibit of Transitional Period Navajo textiles. With the arrival of the railroad to the Southwest in 1881, aniline dyes became available to Navajo artists for the first time. This access to colors previously unavailable to weavers precipitated an artistic movement largely unaffected by outside market forces. It was a time period of great change in all aspect of life in the Southwest, and coincided with a shift in weaving away from wearing blankets towards heavier floor rugs. From wearing blankets to rugs within rugs, this small collection hints at the breadth of style and innovation present during this period of unbounded creativity.

From Bare Feet to Bear Feet: Carved Turquoise 1930-2000

May 3, 2023

We are pleased to present a small collection of carved turquoise from some of the most renowned names in 20th century Native art. For hundreds of years, inhabitants of Zuni fashioned bears, frogs, foxes and other animals from stones, rocks and shells for spiritual, personal and religious use. Beginning in the early 20th century, a cohort of artists from Zuni Pueblo began carving a menagerie of animals from turquoise, coral and shell, with the intention of selling them to traders and tourists. Using a combination of traditional techniques as well as modern equipment, these sculptural works, from artists such as Leekya, Teddy Weahkee, Dan Simplicio and many others took a variety of forms, from tabletop effigies to wearable art. Not confined to the artistry of Zuni Pueblo, many different carvers chose to accentuate the natural beauty of turquoise with embellishments of their own. Some artists took a more abstract approach, finding inspiration in the natural shape of the stone, carefully contouring and faceting the turquoise to accentuate its angles and catch the light.

Silver Spring: Native Silverwork 1880-1980

April 13, 2023

Beginning in the 19th century, Native peoples of the Southwest began using silver as adornment, both for themselves and for their horses. The earliest objects were simple, using only files and chisels to create form. Techniques and designs rapidly became more complicated and refined, incorporating stamping, soldering, fabricating and casting. We are pleased to present a new collection of old pieces spanning a century of Native silverwork. From an early pair of Diné hoops to Charles Loloma’s modernist shield earrings, this collection demonstrates the myriad of forms this precious metal can take. From functional pieces like bridles and serving sets, to natural and abstracted forms to adorn the body, this collection ushers in Spring with shimmer and shine.

Heartlines: Historic Pueblo Pottery 1880-1920

March 23, 2023

Heartlines: Historic Pueblo Pottery 1880-1920 We are honored to present a stunning collection of historic Pueblo pottery. Representing seven New Mexico Pueblos as well as Hopi, this collection is characterized by the elaborately painted designs found in the early commercial period. Carefully curated over the course of many years, this group has particular resonance with us. The guiding forces behind this collection were boundless enthusiasm and a gentle, caring spirit. To handle objects steeped in history is always an honor, but by assisting in placing these pieces in new homes, we hope to continue the legacy of our friend and her deep seated respect and appreciation for Native cultures.

Creative Force: The Jewelry of Eveli

February 1, 2023

Eveli Sabatie’s singular vision produced an astonishing legacy of jewelry over her forty year career. The scope and breadth of her creativity is on lavish display in her newly published book “Eveli: A Jeweler’s Memoir.” Born in North Africa to French parents, Eveli’s jewelry career began on the windswept mesas of Hopi, where a chance encounter in a laundromat led her to be mentored by Charles Loloma, a supernova of talent and arguably the most famous Native jeweler. While her design and and technique was honed by Loloma, Eveli went on to forge her own path, working in Santa Fe and then Tucson, where she resides to this day. We are pleased to present a small selection of jewelry which displays her devoted and joyful approach to her craft, showing a deep seated respect for her materials as well as the wearers of her art. “The jewelry I made was usually not of the glittery kind. Most of it is earthbound, and some of it is almost akin to folk art, a sort of narration about life as it was unfolding through me. Yet, once on the body, it is royalty.” Please join Eveli for a book signing of “Eveli: A Jeweler’s Memoir”,February 12, 2023 11:30-12:30pm. Albuquerque Museum 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 505-243-7255

Natural Mystic: Navajo Neutrals 1880-1960

January 19, 2023

Blankets woven from the hues of natural sheep’s wool are some of our favorites to incorporate into contemporary homes. Navajo naturals come in many forms, from the most dynamic graphics and striking designs, to minimalist compositions of uniform colors carefully selected from hand-spun yarn. The understated tones of creamy whites and deep rich browns or the striations of carded grays play well with a variety of settings, and can add softness or interest to any room. The weavings in this group were made between 1880-1960 and demonstrate the exceptional skill and refined aesthetic sensibilities that have made Diné weavers renowned through the centuries. While certain trends and styles may come and go, the unparalleled artistry is truly timeless.

Joyous and Bright: Sonwai and Ken Williams Jr, December 2022

December 15, 2022

We are pleased to present a very special holiday collection featuring work by two of our favorite contemporary artists. With the their characteristic use of exuberant colors, we always love presenting longtime friends Verma and Ken’s work together. Sonwai’s work is a veritable jewelbox, each piece a precise combination of precious materials; truly the perfect small gift of artistry and opulence. Ken Williams Jr.’s special collection speaks to memories of childhood, from his fanciful interpretations of his favorite breakfast cereals in very grown-up cuffs to the miniature moccasins, recalling his early years of learning to bead and in a form we are not likely to see again. Family is also present in his large scale work, a multi-media piece done in collaboration with his uncle Ben Harjo Jr.

Dishing it Out: Native Boxes and Trays 1930-1950

December 8, 2022

We are pleased to present a group of vintage boxes, trays and keepsakes. Whether a desk accoutrement or a resting place for your daily jewels, a container to keep a treasured memento, a tender missive or the gift itself, these vintage treasures are the perfect present for the person who has everything.

Adored Additions: New Acquisitions

December 1, 2022

We are pleased to present a new collection of pieces from some of our favorite artists as well as a handpicked selection of unique vintage items. Whether molded from the rich clay of the Rio Grande or crafted from the most precious materials, there is something special for even the most discerning recipients on your list. From the intricately woven leather pieces of Aaron Lopez, to the timeless elegance of a Maria Martinez pot, each piece was carefully crafted by skilled hands and will be a unique and treasured gift for years to come.

Autumn Vignette

October 20, 2022

With leaves falling and the evenings turning colder, we wanted to create a collection based on the changing moods of Fall, of bright golden days and crisp mornings. Of lingering with bare feet on the thick bedside rug, unwilling to step onto a cold floor. Of gatherings at home with friends, stretching long into the evening. From the warm ochres of an Ohkay Owingeh dough bowl to the crisp graphics of a Navajo transitional blanket, we hope this group welcomes in the changing season with new comforts for hearth and home.

Stories Sung in Clay: Helen Cordero

September 29, 2022

We are pleased to present a delightful collection by one of the most esteemed Native potters of the 20th century. Helen Cordero was born in Cochiti in 1915 but didn’t begin making pottery until the late 1950’s. An encounter with designer Alexander Girard inspired her to make her first storyteller doll in 1964, ushering in a wildly popular pottery genre. The pieces in this collection date from the 1970’s and 80’s, her most productive, refined and creative period. The work of Helen Cordero was often inspired by her grandfather and by Pueblo traditions, but was defined by her creativity and innovative spirit.

Sonwai & Ken Williams Jr. – August, 2022

August 19, 2022

SONWAI – We are pleased to present our 9th annual show of Hopi master jeweler Sonwai, Verma Nequatewa. Sonwai’s latest collection is that of an artist at the peak of her career. Her work perfectly balances technical precision with organic textures. Working from her studio in Hotevilla built by her uncle Charles Loloma, Verma Nequatewa is able to work pushing the boundaries of contemporary jewelry while honoring the rich traditions of the past. KEN WILLIAMS JR. – Ken Williams Jr. recent work springs forth from the fertile ground of his imagination much as the night blooming cereus opens before your eyes, rapidly and astonishingly. The verdant opulence of monsoon afternoons and the rich colors of desert plants in full bloom are reflected in his carefully sourced selection of semi precious stones and vintage beads. William’s latest collection finds inspiration in daily life, but relies on his unique vision to turn sights from an evening walk or a remembered childhood treat into his remarkable beadwork.

Summer Splendour: Native Jewelry 1920-1950

July 21, 2022

Summer in Santa Fe means opera under the stars, sipping margaritas in sun dappled courtyards, shopping the farmer's market and art markets, and lots of turquoise. We are pleased to present our favorite vintage picks for summertime, inspired by an iconic 1938 image, John Adair’s photo of famed Diné weaver Mabel Burnsides. While Mabel’s effortless elegance and casual grace is impossible to replicate, we are pleased to offer a selection of wonderful vintage pieces that would look at equally at home on Mabel's arm as your own.

Pictorial Textile Collection

July 6, 2022

While the first known Navajo pictorial weavings date from the 1860s, the art form, like much of Navajo weaving, experienced a radical shift with the arrival of the railroad to the Southwest, and with it access to both Germantown wools as well as brightly colored aniline dyes. We are pleased to present the J. Peter Segall collection, which situates itself at this cultural crossroads and extends until the middle of the twentieth century. Representing more than forty years of focused collecting, the Segall collection does not pretend to be comprehensive in its scope, but rather was guided by a deep appreciation of a true Native American folk art.

Heart of Glass: Glass beads in Native Art

May 12, 2022

Since the arrival of Europeans to the Americas, glass beads have been widely traded and incorporated into Native art. For many hundreds of years, Venice was the center of European glass production, and Italian glass found its way to the most remote corners of the world. Beginning in the 19th century, Czech glass makers took predominance , and small cottage factories produced huge amounts of glass for export. While the Southwest has always been associated with turquoise, it was not always as plentiful or as available as it is today. In the early 20th century, Lorenzo Hubble imported a characteristic light blue opaque Czech glass, in beads as well as larger chunks. Still known as Hubble glass, today it is a collectible in its own right. In presenting this collection, we are celebrating that sometimes even the most commonplace materials can be used to create precious objects.

April 14th, 2022: Outside the Box - Silver Objects 1930-1950

April 14, 2022

Beginning in the early 20th century, Native silversmiths began to expand their repertoire beyond jewelry to accommodate the eager stream of visitors to the Southwest. Navajo and Pueblo artists started incorporating traditional techniques such as stamping, repousse, overlay and inlay to decorate a variety of objects such as boxes, ashtrays, flatware and trays. Some of these pieces are truly monumental, and surely represented an exciting opportunity for silversmiths to be working on large-scale objects. Ranging in size from the tiniest pill boxes to tabletop masterpieces, each object in this collection represents an impressive amount of skill, from each solder joint to every perfectly aligned corner.

“The Whirling Log and Other Things that Twist and Turn”: A collection curated by Zeke Argeanas

March 17, 2022

I chose the pieces in this collection due to my love of movement, and to bring a better understanding and appreciation for the Whirling Log symbol. The whirling log is an ancient Diné symbol known as Náhółhis (Whirling Logs) which represents the North Star and the movement of the Big Dipper constellation over the course of the year, and its daily march through the heavens. As well as marking time, the whirling log serves to divide the universe into quarters and thus create a balanced whole. From twisted wires and curved silver to sacred Whirling Logs, each item emphasizes a sense of movement and of balance. I wanted to express the beauty and symbolism of a Native worldview, and some of the multiple meanings behind the symbol we call Náhółhis.

Of the Moment – Young at Heart: Collection Highlights 1860-1980

March 3, 2022

In creating this collection, we are featuring vintage items made for children as well as playful pieces that appeal to kids of all ages. From antique kachina dolls carved as learning tools for children to diminutive silver bracelets made to fit chubby little wrists, and from miniature weavings to exquisite antique childs’ blankets, we hope this group inspires you with joy and wonder.

February 3rd, 2022 - The Color of Love

February 3, 2022

For this week's collection love is in the air as we draw inspiration from the season and present a selection of our favorite pieces. Love is seen here in many forms: from Diego Romero depicting his wife and fellow artist Cara Romero as Wonder Woman, to child sized blankets lovingly woven of the softest handspun wool or Ford Ruthlings homage to his family's apple orchard in Tesuque. Whether shopping for your sweetheart or a new piece for you to dote upon, the warm and sweet hues of this collection has something for everyone to love.

Early Bracelets 1900-1930

January 20, 2022

From diminutive bracelets to heavy cuffs, and from swirls of repousse to stunning stones, we are pleased to present an exceptional group of bracelets from our vault. Stretching across the last decade of the 19th century to the 1930’s, this collection represents a variety of techniques and designs for all tastes. No matter your stylistic preference, there is one constant when collecting great old cuffs: that magic feeling when you find the perfect bracelet.

December 9th, 2021: Sonwai – Quiet Opulence

December 9, 2021

We are pleased to present our final collection of the year. Featuring a capsule collection by Sonwai, an exquisite group of one-of-a-kind offerings that perfectly balance technical perfection while keeping true to the organic feel of her raw materials. From the sinuous shapes of her tufa cast cuff to the delicate strands of antique beads complemented by hand shaped gold cones and beads, this group shows Sonwai in all her glory. We have supplemented this collection with a small selection of quietly opulent vintage pieces. Not the biggest, and not the flashiest, simply a focus on detail, color and materials.

A Constellation of Native Artists: New Acquisitions December 2021

December 2, 2021

From covetable coral to glittering gold, we are pleased to present a selection from some of the brightest stars in Native jewelry. Featuring a exquisite new collection from Diné jeweler Zeke Argeanas, who honors his ancestor's work through his use of traditional techniques and whose refined skill belies his young age. He joins a cadre of contemporary and innovative jewelers whose work we are privileged to represent. From rising stars like Zeke to supernovas like Charles Loloma, there are gems in this collection for everyone to shine a little brighter.

November 11th, 2021; One-of-a-Kind: Unusual and Exceptional Pieces 1870-2000

November 10, 2021

From an unparalleled Diné weaving depicting the Hopi snake dance to a monumental necklace of Royston turquoise, we are pleased to present a group of truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether it be an American folk art goat originally used in Odd Fellows initiation or a mosaic bracelet by visionary jeweler Eveli Sabatie, all of the pieces in this collection stand alone as exceptional examples of original art.

October 21st, 2021 - Hail to the Chief: Navajo Chief’s Blankets 1860-1930

October 21, 2021

In the 19th century, a new style of wearing blanket began to be woven by Navajo weavers. Characterized by broad horizontal bands, and initially made in brown, white and blue, these blankets were meant to be worn. Weavers began adapting and adding variations to the design, raveling imported trade blankets and weaving red wool into squares and diamonds, all the while considering how the blankets draped around the human form. They became known as Chief’s blankets due to their popularity among neighboring Plains tribes and were valued as the finest blankets in the world, the weave so fine as to be practically impermeable. Treasured by peoples living their life on horseback, they were a luxury item, a symbol of wealth and status among Native and non-Native peoples alike. This collection features seventy years worth of weaving, and illustrates that while the first blankets were markers of a moment in time, these styles and phases continued to be woven through the twentieth century and into the present day.

Gray Matter: New Acquisitions for Fall 2021

September 30, 2021

After the riotous colors of summer have begun to fade, and our gardens are tucked in to sleep for the winter, we begin to think of a quieter color palette for the crisp nights ahead. Creamy whites, luminous silvers and soft greys feel right at home as the evenings grow colder and our focus turns inward. Whether adorning yourself or updating your home with a few choice treasures, we are pleased to present a collection of historic rugs and pottery, as well as some choice pieces of jewelry both contemporary and vintage.

Sonwai Summer 2021

August 19, 2021

For the 8th consecutive year, we are pleased to welcome master jeweler Sonwai, Verma Netquatewa, for an trunk show of her exquisite work. Sonwai is the inheritor of the artistic tradition begun by her uncle Charles Loloma, with whom she worked for many years, and whose studio she now calls her own. Verma’s work is distinctly her own, and continues to grow and evolve, making her one of the most desired artists for collectors of cutting edge Native jewelry. Please join us for an opening honoring Verma from 2:00pm-5:00pm on Thursday, August 19th, 2021. 

Ken Williams Jr. Summer 2021

August 19, 2021

For the 6th consecutive year, Shiprock Santa Fe is proud to present the contemporary beadwork of Ken Williams Jr. ( Arapaho/Seneca.) Whether it be an abstracted human form cradling a precious heirloom or a beaded homage to a favorite artist, Ken imbues each piece with his inimitable style and personality. Please join us for an opening for Ken from 11:00 am-2:00pm on Thursday, August 19th, 2021.

August 2021 -- August Highlights

August 11, 2021

Our newest online exhibit features some of current favorite offerings for August. From a 1890’s Cochiti opera singer to a Loloma cuff to wear to the Santa Fe Opera, please enjoy this feast for all tastes and styles.

July 8th, 2021: Mid-Century Out West

July 8, 2021

Mid-Century Out West For this week's exhibition, we are pleased to present a collection of vintage pieces that harken back to the 1950’s, an era of design ushered in on waves of optimism for an atomic future and a refined sensibility that focused on form over ornamentation. In the Southwest, traditional materials were transformed into modern rugs and jewelry with clean lines, bold graphics and strong optics. We have long been fans of the beautiful lines and quality materials found in great mid-century pieces, no matter the origin. This collection brings together favorite finds from around the world together with objects made closer to heart and home, all of which have a truly timeless feel.

June 24th, 2021 - Ganado Red: Weavings 1890-1950

June 24, 2021

In 1878 Juan Lorenzo Hubbell bought the trading post at Ganado, and over the next fifty years exerted enormous influence on the region. He had wholesale accounts with Fred Harvey curio shops across the Southwest and produced mail order catalogues of Navajo weavings to be sold across the country. Hubbell worked with hundreds of weavers and thousands of weavings. Thought to be one of the first traders to promote Navajo blankets as rugs, he encouraged weavers to produce larger, heavier pieces, to take special orders and produce unusual designs. His stylistic preferences tended towards reds, greys, blacks and whites, and he had a penchant for design elements such as Spiderwoman crosses and serrated edges. Weavers, in turn, responded to his tastes and produced more rugs incorporating these designs. J.L. Hubbell was hugely influential in promoting, marketing and commercializing Navajo weaving, but the true originators of what we now consider Ganado style were the weavers themselves. Laboriously produced by hand, over many months, the weavings and designs are the result of the imagination, creativity and master artistry of Diné weavers.

June 10th, 2021 - Where the Wild Things Are: Animal Imagery in Native Art

June 10, 2021

Stamped, carved, woven or constructed, animals and insects are perennial favorites in Native art. Inspired by the natural world, we see animals that exist in the arid country of the Southwest, or that play important parts in Native cosmologies, but occasionally the inspiration is from farther afield. Ideas of transformation, fertility and strength are found in images of butterflies, frogs and bears, to name a few, but there are as many meanings behind the art as there are artists creating them. Ranging from faithful, exacting representations to fanciful interpretations based more on imagination than fact, we are pleased to present a wild assortment of birds, beasts and insects to add to your own menagerie.

May 18th, 2021 - An Enviable Color: Green Turquoise in Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry 1900-1950

May 18, 2021

We are pleased to present a new collection of old jewelry, a celebration of shell, stone and silver, of handrolled beads made smooth with age and perfectly patinated silver. Most of all, it is an ode to green turquoise, made luminous by generations of wear. Turquoise sometimes darkens with age, and its unique range of colors is caused by the mixing of copper and aluminum, and for a greener hue, by trace amounts of iron. From the pinpoints of turquoise set into the carved shell of the antique Pueblo necklace to the perfectly matched triple cabochons of our 1930’s braided wire cuff, the stones in this group take many forms and colors, but all uniquely beautiful enough to inspire the friendliest sort of envy.

May 6th, 2021: Darling Buds of May

May 6, 2021

This week's collection arrives on the lilac scented warm breeze of spring, and features a selection of antique textiles in fresh, seasonal colors. Inspired by the season and the darling buds of May, as well as one very special pictorial— The weavings in this exhibit range from playful to masterful, and all demonstrate a love of color and the technical expertise that has made Diné weavers famous the world over. Currently on display in the gallery for the rest of this glorious month.

April 9th, 2021 - Strands of History: Navajo and Pueblo Necklaces 1890-1950

April 9, 2021

The beauty of antique jewelry is often a tactile as well as a visual pleasure, when edges are blunted with age and soft to the touch, and silver is worn smooth with time. We are pleased to present a collection of iconic, historic necklaces, an exquisite selection which demonstrates the wide variety of styles created by Diné and Pueblo peoples. From the delicate hammered crosses of the Pueblo necklace, to the handmade beads and geometric turquoise details of our 1910 Navajo sand cast naja, or the many hued turquoise and stylized blossoms of a Zuni beauty, there is something special in this collection for all tastes.

March 25th, 2021: Salad Days - Serving Sets, 1920-1960

March 25, 2021

As the long winter recedes, and the weather warms, our thoughts are turning to eating outside, to celebrations long postponed, and lavish outdoor picnics. We are pleased to present an unprecedented selection of serving sets: this exhibition is the fruit of years of hunting, and the marrying of two distinct collections into one gorgeous presentation. Dating from the first half of the 20th century, these pieces display beautiful Navajo artisanship on gorgeous sterling silver. Setting your table and dishing up a fresh, crisp salad with any of these vintages treasures is enough to turn anyone green with envy, but we hope instead that they serve in bringing us together with loved ones again to enjoy the pleasure of shared meals.

March 4th, 2021: Work on the Railroad, 1880-1930

March 4, 2021

In the 1880s, the railway was expanding across the United States, bringing changes throughout the country, especially to the Southwest. The trains brought tourists, salespeople and settlers, an influx of new materials, and a new market for artists. Potters at Cochiti Pueblo began creating large human figures in clay and selling them to visitors. Remarkable for their innovative and technical design, they were representations of the outsiders arriving via the railroad, circus performers, opera singers, travelers and tourists. The Cochiti “mono” featured here is most likely a spectator, his houndstooth waistcoat and hobnail boots rendered in slip, and his pipe firmly clenched between his teeth, a somewhat quizzical expression on his face. This week, we present a selection of objects produced between 1880-1930, in which Native artists of the Southwest were responding to a rapidly changing reality by using innovative techniques and materials.

Fritz Scholder: Color Story - February 18th, 2021

February 18, 2021

For this week's exhibition, we draw inspiration from one of our favorite artists, Fritz Scholder, and his 1971 lithograph “Indian at the Circus.” Scholder was a multi-disciplinary artist, poet, educator, world traveler and collector whose influence on 20th century Native American art cannot be overstated, and whose creativity stemmed from his shrewd observations of the world around him. Like Scholder himself, who saw color as a guiding force in his work, we found inspiration for this collection in the vibrant greens and pinks of “Indian at the Circus”, in objects which revel in their use of color, and in the juxtaposition of light and dark which characterized so much of Scholder's work.

Fritz Scholder: Additional Works - February 18th, 2021

February 18, 2021

February 4th, 2021 - Reflecting the Sky: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry 1900-1980

February 4, 2021

While Southwestern jewelry is rooted in tradition and a sense of place, certain pieces transcend geographic boundaries and look at home anywhere in the world. For this weeks’ exhibition, we are pleased to present a collection inspired by the electric blues and silvery whites of the clouds overhead. Like the intricate channel inlay of Tom Bahe’s cuff or the painstaking repousse of a 1900’s Navajo cuff, the vintage pieces in this exhibition use different techniques and styles, but each was carefully selected for its timeless beauty. We hope that this collections reaches you like a breath of fresh air, and reminds us all of brighter, bluer skies ahead.

January 21st, 2021 - Collecting History: Navajo Textiles 1885 - 1950

January 21, 2021

Striated grays, rich, deep reds or whimsical, unusual designs. Reflecting on the curation process for a personal collection, you begin to see commonalities across the pieces, similarities and themes; a family resemblance of sorts. We are always pleased to be given the opportunity to handle a large collection. In the case of this group of vintage and antique Navajo textiles, the criteria for inclusion in the collection was multifaceted, largely being formed of Navajo double saddle blankets as well as being chosen for a personal inclination towards certain colors. As a whole, they tell a consistent story, but viewed individually, you see the exceptional qualities of each weaving. Each blanket contains variations of history, personal experiences, and of lives lived. Collected over a period of many years, we are pleased to exhibit this group for the first time, and hope that the individual pieces will seed many future personal collections.

December 18th, 2020 - Birds and Beasts: Vintage Letter Openers 1930-1970

December 18, 2020

From whimsical to elegant, we are pleased to present a wonderful selection of vintage Navajo letter openers. Birds, beasts, swords or shapes, each letter opener in this collection adds refinement and beauty to any desk, be it in the executive headquarters or the comfort of your home office. We are firm believers in the idea that a bit of luxurious whimsy helps make every day at work a little brighter.

December 18th, 2020: New Silver Boxes

December 18, 2020

Soldered, stamped, overlaid or inlaid: all of the silversmith’s many techniques are displayed in one perfect object: the silver box. Whether adorned with bezel set stones or not, each box contains a impressive amount of work, for each solder joint and corner to be perfectly aligned and planned for that satisfying click to happen when the lid shuts. Whether a place to keep a precious memento, to display with other treasures, or to convey an important missive to someone special, these miniature masterpieces make the perfect gift. This holiday season, sometimes the best presents ARE the smallest boxes.

December 9th, 2020: Little Silver Boxes - Miniature Masterpieces

December 9, 2020

Soldered, stamped, overlaid or inlaid: all of the silversmith’s many techniques are displayed in one perfect object: the silver box. Whether adorned with bezel set stones or not, each box contains a impressive amount of work, for each solder joint and corner to be perfectly aligned and planned for that satisfying click to happen when the lid shuts. Whether a place to keep a precious memento, to display with other treasures, or to convey an important missive to someone special, these miniature masterpieces make the perfect gift. This holiday season, sometimes the best presents ARE the smallest boxes. 

November 19th, 2020: Rich Ochre and Luminous Silver

November 19, 2020

As we find ourselves once again slowing down and limiting our activities, we are turning our focus inwards and towards the textures, patterns and colors of our southwestern desert home. From the burnished ochre on an Acoma polychrome olla, the wonderful striations of brown wool on a twill Navajo saddle blanket, or the precise inlay of Eveli’s ring, which recalls a rich vein of turquoise in its subterranean origins, we find joy in the artistry, tradition and beauty of the region.

November 5th, 2020 - Treasures from Pueblo Masters

November 5, 2020

While it may seem somewhat incongruent to group together so many different sovereign nations under the Spanish word for town, the Pueblos of New Mexico and Arizona each have distinct artistic and cultural traditions and attributes, they also have many commonalities as well. With this collection, we are celebrating the variety and mastery of materials by the descendants of the original inhabitants of the American Southwest. Shiprock Santa Fe is pleased to present a group of pieces by renowned Pueblo artists, both contemporary and historic, as well as a few works from unnamed master weavers, potters and jewelers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. From a stylized, updated representation of the Chongo brothers by Diego Romero, an exquisite matched pair of deeply repoussed cuffs by Ralph Tawangywayma and a stunning abstracted gold ring by Charles Loloma, the mastery of Pueblo artists is on full display.

October 16th, 2020 - Form Over Function: Native Concho Belts 1880-2020

October 16, 2020

Conchos or conchas, from the Spanish word for shell, first appeared in the Southwest as ornamentation on horse bridles. Both Plains tribes peoples and Spanish silversmiths used bridle decorations reminiscent of present day conchos, but it was Navajo ingenuity that shaped and shifted a horse decoration to the iconic piece of Southwestern jewelry that concho belts are today. Moving into Fall and opportunities for layering, either worn with jeans, peeking out from underneath a chunky sweater or cinched around a suede skirt, concho belts are always a fabulous option. The scalloped edges, massive buckle, repousse and stone settings of a Third Phase, or the beautiful simplicity of the rounded domes and rocker engraving of a classic First Phase, the bright flash of silver on your waist has a way of elevating any outfit. This titillating collection spans 140 years, and represents a brief history of the concho belt, as interpreted by the unknown silversmiths of the 19th century to contemporary master jewelers such as Cippy Crazy Horse and Mckee Platero.

October, 2nd 2020 - Fall Collection

October 2, 2020

This has been a year like no other, where the world is strange and there is so much unknown ahead of us. Perhaps that’s why this collection feels so comforting. It allows us to remember that chamisa is still blooming in the arroyos, piñón is being gathered in the foothills and Fall has begun its inevitable march towards Winter. The inspiration for this collection are the warm browns and golds of autumn, found in the polished tigers-eye of the exquisite cuff by Richard Chavez, in the smoothed pit fired clay of Pueblo ceramics, and in the hand spun wool of Navajo blankets. Allow yourself to enjoy the crisp mornings, the late season bounty at the farmers market, and this collection, conjured by our favorite season.

AUGUST 27th, 2020 - Rare Beauty: Navajo Weavings 1875-1940

August 27, 2020

Eye dazzling wedge weaves, the mathematical precision of diamond twills, and perhaps the most unusual of all, the longhaired, lustrous weavers mat. As our final offering for August, we are pleased to present an extraordinary collection of Navajo blankets in some of their rarest forms. The weavings in this exhibit were made between 1875 and 1940, and represent a variety of styles and techniques, but all of them began life as functional objects. As pieces of art they are beautiful, but when understood as creative solutions to everyday challenges, they are exceptional. Unfortunately, we will never know the names of the weavers who dedicated time, energy and copious skills to creating the pieces highlighted here. But we can applaud an approach to living that celebrates great beauty in daily life.

August 14th, 2020 - Modern Mastery and Enduring Innovation

August 14, 2020

Modern Native jewelry designers like Charles Loloma, Julian Lovato, McKee Platero, Jesse Monongya, and Richard Chavez have collectively altered the path of contemporary Native jewelry in balancing tradition with experimentation by adding personalized style and unique creative mastery.  Using materials once too difficult or expensive to attain, paired with skills and techniques learned from other disciplines, these artists have established that creativity and inspiration are the only limits to what can be achieved in silver and gold. We are pleased to present this collection of enduring innovative designs, highlighting both traditional and modern styles, which continue to inform and inspire the emerging artist of today. 

August 11th, 2020 - Sonwai

August 11, 2020

Sonwai Indian Market Show 2020 Coming off a landmark show at the Heard Museum that closed in 2019, master jeweler and artist Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa) continues to captivate collectors with her imaginative and tasteful use of high quality materials and traditional techniques. We are honored to present Sonwai’s 7th annual Indian Market show at Shiprock Santa Fe. The collection features a three strand necklace of Nevada Blue turquoise, an elegantly sculptural tufa cast bracelet in silver, and a stunning pendant with silver dangles tipped in fossilized ivory, ebony, and coral, among other signature forms. Sonwai will be in the gallery on Thursday August 13th to meet with individual clients by appointment. Please call ahead. The schedule is limited.

August 11th, 2020 - Ken Williams Jr

August 11, 2020

Ken Williams Jr. : Everyday Joy, 2020 Ken Williams Jr. has supplied us with his most personal body of work to date. While resoundingly true to his exuberant style, this show draws on themes many of us have experienced in the past several months: a slowing of pace, a deepened appreciation for the small pleasures in life, and finding joy in everyday experience. Ken demonstrates his joie de vivre with every piece he produces, using his trademark riotous color combinations and lovingly curated mix of semi-precious, vintage and traditional materials. Whether depicting his Friday evening ritual of making pizza at home with Orlando and their cat Valentino, or the fleeting beauty of a yucca in full bloom spotted on the roadside, Kens work always reminds us to live life to its fullest every single day.

August 11th, 2020 - Diego Romero

August 11, 2020

Diego Romero Ceramics and Lithographs 2020 Was it a prophetic vision or an ironic coincidence that in October of 2019 the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture mounted the biggest show of Cochiti ceramicist Diego Romero’s work with the title “Diego Romero vs. The End of Art?” The monumental ceramic bowl that was created for the exhibition details a catastrophic vision of the museum under water with Chongo paddling through the flood in a life raft. In hindsight this apocalyptic vision conjures similar emotions to the world we are experiencing today. Here’s a hint, it is not a prophecy. It is Romero’s ability to tie the past to the present in a way that is outside time. In his narrative paintings on ceramic, Romero a self-proclaimed “chronologist on the absurdity of human nature” brings an understanding of classical history, indigenous knowledge, and a satirical/comedic perspective to the trials of human kind whether it is depicted through Chongo (himself) or important figures in history. For our second annual Indian Market show featuring Diego Romero, Shiprock Santa Fe is excited to present new monumental ceramic works as well as a limited run lithograph in two states. We invite you to engage with the stories of Popé, Coyote, and the modern Pueblo woman through his unique illustrative perspective.

August 6th, 2020 - August Anticipation

August 6, 2020

At Shiprock Santa Fe, anticipation bubbles up as the summer stretches into August. Preparations set in place months before finally culminate in curated shows, and the thrill of discovery heightens our daily interactions. We are pleased to present an unmatched collection of early historic Navajo and Pueblo jewelry as our first offering in August. Selected by discerning eyes, this collection serves as a window to what guides us, be it the mark of an early tool, the smooth feel of worn silver, the style and balance of a particular artist, or the singular beauty of hand polished stone. While we are missing the rush of the shows, laughter under the stars and the warm embraces of friends, we are so excited for all that we have to share.

July 30th, 2020 - Saddle Up

July 30, 2020

Nothing compares to the feeling of riding a horse full tilt under the endless skies of the American West. For hundreds of years, horses have played a key role to inhabitants and visitors alike, and the rush of freedom felt on horseback has captured the imagination of countless artists. This week, our featured collection shows the myriad of forms this inspiration has taken, from an exquisitely inlaid turquoise and silver horse bit to the iconic bucking bronco rendered in yucca and bear grass. Wherever you may be in the world, we hope this collection brings you a sense of the wide open skies, the smell of horse sweat and the creak of leather tack. Grab your hat and saddle up!

July, 23rd 2020 - Feast Day at Kewa Pueblo

July 23, 2020

We have been thinking about hot, dusty summer days, rainclouds gathering over the mountains in the afternoons, bringing flashes of lightning and the distant rumble of thunder. Summer is when Kewa Pueblo celebrates its annual feast day, and this week, we are pleased to offer a collection of vintage and antique bowls from our neighbors at Santo Domingo Pueblo. The bowls in this collection are utilitarian, and in many instances show the marks of enjoyment and hard use. Looking at this group, it is easy to imagine luminous red chile dripping down the sides, or soaking up stew with bread freshly baked in earthen hornos. These bowls were made in Santo Domingo Pueblo, to be used and enjoyed during feasts and other celebrations. They all have personalized touches, including initials scratched into the bottom so that in the tangle of feasting, stew bowls and borrowed bread bowls can find their way back to their owners. Until a time when we can all celebrate together again, this feast for the eyes will have to suffice.

July 16th, 2020 - Of the Moment: Lightning Strikes and Golden Tassels: Collecting Creativity

July 16, 2020

We are pleased to feature a group of earrings lovingly acquired over a number of years by one fortunate collector. Guided by a deep love for the Southwest, this collection features work by the top names in contemporary Native jewelry. From a showstopping single earring by Hopi master Charles Loloma with a perfect piece of Lone Mountain topping twin strands of lapis beads and ending in gold tassels, to a fanciful homage to summer thunderstorms made of 18k gold painstakingly inlaid with a variety of precious materials by Jesse Monongya, this group represents fine jewelry at its pinnacle of creativity and playfulness.

July 10th, 2020 Of the Moment - (Un) Dyed in the Wool: Natural Navajo Weavings 1880-1940

July 10, 2020

From eye catching graphic designs to subtle gradations of grey, we are pleased to present a collection of antique and vintage Navajo weavings in natural wool. A weaver demonstrates skill not only in the fineness of the actual weaving, but with the careful selection, carding and matching of wool from different sheep. Nowhere is that skill more apparent than in uniform expanses of creamy whites or when a delicate ombre is achieved with shades of grey. All of the weavings in this group were made between 1880-1940 and display a truly refined aesthetic sensibility, allowing them to look at home in the most contemporary of settings. While some of the weavings in this collection have intricate designs, all of them exude a feeling of calm. These days, that’s something we can all flock to.

June 18th, 2020: Sonwai

June 18, 2020

High above the dusty plains of Northeastern Arizona sits the village of Hotevilla, perched on the edge of Second Mesa with views that span hundreds of miles, looking towards the San Francisco peaks in the distance. This is the home of Hopi master jeweler Verma Nequatewa, and where she creates her exquisite pieces in gold and silver, using her artistic moniker, Sonwai. Sonwai is the inheritor of the artistic tradition begun by her uncle Charles Loloma, with whom she worked for many years, and whose studio she now calls her own. But her work is distinctly her own, and continues to grow and evolve, making her one of the most desired artists for collectors of cutting edge Native jewelry. Many of her designs incorporate tufa casting, which, combined with precious materials from around the world, give an organic feel not often found in contemporary jewelry. For more than 10 years, Shiprock Santa Fe has hosted an opening for Sonwai on the eve of SWAIA’s Indian Market. This year, we will continue our yearly celebration of Sonwai’s artistic prowess, although Indian Market will exist this year only on-line. We present this collection as a prelude to her opening, and with the sincere wish that you will all be able to join us in, either virtually or in person, in August to celebrate the work of this extraordinary woman.

June 10th, 2020: Fathers Day Gift Guide

June 10, 2020

For the upcoming celebration of Father's Day, Shiprock Santa Fe’s gift guide has
offerings as unique as the special man in your life.

 Patinated leather, rough wood, simple silver and historical objects: some
wearable, some utilitarian, and some with a story to tell. 

 From cufflinks to kachinas, we filled this collection with objects of beauty
and usefulness to adorn his workspace, his home and himself. 

May 28th, 2020: Of the Moment - Navajo & Pueblo Necklaces

May 28, 2020

From delicate to jaw dropping and from organic to refined, this weeks curated collection highlights the southwestern necklace in many of its forms. Carved Zuni fetishes, old car battery casings, polished pieces of shell and minuscule hand hammered gold beads are just some of the materials found in this group of necklaces. Truly expansive in its variety, some of the highlights of this group include the hand rolled beads from Santo Domingo master Charles Lovato, the organic cascade of turquoise in our necklace of antique joclas, and that elusive favorite of Southwest aesthetes: the Pueblo cross necklace.

May 21st, 2020: Treasures from the Vault

May 21, 2020

From buttons to beads and from conchos to ketohs, we are excited to share with you some of our favorite pieces of vintage and antique jewelry from “the vault”. Tucked away and under lock and key is an old safe door from a long forgotten bank, hand painted with a clipper ship. This is our vault and where we keep some very special pieces. Not all of our jewelry is on our website, so we decided this week to share some previously unlisted pieces from the archives. Ranging from quirky to phenomenal, this collection of early Navajo jewelry is united by the individuality of each piece. From a rare child’s ketoh to the splendor of a First Phase concho belt, it is finally time to let these treasures out of the vault.

May 14th, 2020: Cast Away! - Native Cast Jewelry

May 14, 2020

Native American cast jewelry is traditionally produced by pouring molten metal into molds carved out of sandstone or the softer tufa, a stone formed from organic ash. Whereas stamps can be used hundreds of times on countless pieces of jewelry, casts made of sandstone or tufa have a very limited lifespan. Each mold only survives a handful of castings, while some artists, like Aaron Anderson, uses them only once, so that each piece is unique. In early Navajo cast work, you can almost see the molten ore in the sinuous designs. Later pieces have a sculptural quality hard to achieve with other techniques: from the organic simplicity of Charles Loloma to the exuberance of Tony Abeyta’s monumental cuff, this is truly wearable art.

May 7th, 2020: From Wrenches to Rainbows - Navajo Pictorial Weavings

May 7, 2020

Pictorial textiles are truly representational in capturing distinct moments and experiences; the forms and stories depicted are as varied as the experience of each weaver. Many pictorial weavings were special commissions, and have names, important dates or a ranches own cattle brand. Some are inspired by daily life on the reservation, by the natural landscape, local flora and fauna, even the weavers own tools.  Many others find inspiration in the unseen, with depictions of mythological beings, of old stories, and of faith. This collection shows the unbridled imagination of Navajo artists, using wool, wefts and warps as their canvas, weavers have imagined multitudes of experiences.

April 30th, 2020: 20th Century Navajo Silver Bracelets

April 30, 2020

Stamped, twisted, cast, chiseled, hammered and swedged: the language used to describe the manipulation of silver in this collection references the implicit force used in silversmithing, but belies the delicacy of the finished product. From the sleek modernism of the White Hogan artists to the chiseled simplicity of early Navajo work and the classic pictorial stamps of later pieces, this group focuses on the most versatile form of jewelry...the bracelet. This collection has examples of the wide range of forms and techniques that Native American silver work used throughout the twentieth century. Suitable for men as well as women, for bohemians as much as businesspeople, the designs in this selection of vintage bracelets are varied and versatile, but above all, timeless.

April 23rd, 2020 - Woven Wonders: Native Basketry of the American West

April 23, 2020

Basketry is an art form that has developed from a myriad of utilitarian styles as varied as the cultures who produce them. From the gathering trays of the Pima to the peach baskets of the Hopi, most basketry styles originated from specific cultural and environmental conditions. This collection features baskets from different Native peoples across the western United States, dating from the late 19th century to the present day. Woven from tender willow branches, cornhusks, yucca fibers, sumac, devils claw, sedge and other foraged materials, they bring an organic feeling, a softness, to any interior. From simple miniature burden baskets to the most exquisite pictorial tray, the uniting theme of this collection is the creative use of humble materials.

April 16th, 2020: Of the Moment - Channel Inlay

April 16, 2020

Channel inlay is an art form born of necessity, of deprivation. It is a laborious technique developed to optimize scraps, a way to use the remainders of more desirable, larger cuts. Evolving from humble beginnings, it has become a distinct and elevated art form. This style is most closely associated with the artists of Zuni Pueblo, but as is reflected in this collection, it is also used by Hopi and Navajo jewelers. This technique celebrates design and technical proficiency, and is used in the elaboration of abstract and figurative designs, ranging from geometric forms to detailed representations of mythical figures. Beginning in the 1950’s, Zuni artists began depicting popular cartoon characters, executed in semi-precious stones. Today, these Zuni Toons are one example of the wide variety of channel inlay styles coveted by collectors.

April 9th, 2020 - Agate Jewelry

April 9, 2020

In the 1930’s and 1940’s, with restrictions on turquoise mining due to World War II, Native artists began using petrified wood and other types of agate in jewelry. It is a material found in prehistoric southwestern jewelry, and exists in deposits all over the west. Agate jewelry experienced a resurgence in the 1970’s, fitting perfectly with the organic, abstracted designs of cutting edge artists like Charles Loloma. Contemporary jewelers continue to use this versatile and varied mineral, finding the smoky subtlety of colors equally pleasing with both gold and silver. 

April 1st, 2020 - Saddle Blankets

April 1, 2020

Coveted by ethnographic collectors, Navajo saddle blankets have been continuously produced for both Navajo use and trade for more than 160 years. During the early 20th century, Navajo saddle blankets were preferred by horsemen above all others. Today saddle blankets find use as floor rugs, wall hangings, and for special occasion under the saddle. Collectors appreciate the unique, timeless Navajo aesthetic displayed by the juxtaposition of simple open fields contrasted by elaborate borders, decorative accents, and bisected design planes. At Shiprock we like to imagine the blankets as they were used in the early 20th century, hanging on corral gates and in the barn, but their sophisticated artistry and handmade feel truly complement any modern setting.

March 17th, 2020, Of the Moment: Turquoise Rings

March 17, 2020

For this collection, we are pleased to celebrate the changing of the season, the storing away of gloves and mittens and letting our hands see the sun again. Spring is here and we are showing off our rings! We are pleased to add a selection of vintage beauties to the website, with a wide range of techniques and styles. In this group there are options for all tastes, from a cluster ring with forty individual bezel set pieces of turquoise to a Zuni channel inlay that calls to mind the scales of a fish, and turquoise cabochons cut and shaped into teardrops, octagons, and ovals. One of our favorite aspects of vintage turquoise is the variety and depth of color. Stones with rich hues ranging from the bright green of budding leaves to the cerulean blue of the high desert skies of New Mexico, these rings will bring a flash of color and history to your hand.

February 20th, Banded Blankets

February 19, 2020

There is a word in Diné, diyugi, which has been translated as “fluffy” or “soft,” but which is commonly used to reference a type of weaving, the everyday blanket. In this collection, we present a group of banded blankets of both Pueblo and Navajo origin. While there are certain characteristics associated with either weaving tradition, we are focusing on the commonalities rather than the differences. These blankets are made of softly woven, handspun wool, and find patterns in compound stripes, using the limited range of dyes available at that time period. This collection dates from the waning of the 19th century, and harkens to the moments of everyday life encapsulated by these objects. In terms of design, they speak to a different sensibility, to an appreciation of a simplicity of form, with a celebration of negative space. The very fact that these blankets have survived for more than a century attests to the fact that while they were everyday objects, they are anything but ordinary.

January 31st, 2020: Of the Moment, High Desert Coral

January 31, 2020

We are pleased to present to you a spectacular collection of jewelry from some of our favorite artists. The uniting theme in this collection by Native jewelers is the use of coral. Coral, especially in its deep red form, traditionally has strong associations with love, wealth, fertility and as a protective charm. While coral has been used for hundreds of years in the Southwest, first arriving with the Spanish, for this collection we have focused on the luminaries of 20th and early 21st century jewelry. From Lovato to Yazzie, and from Leekya to Loloma, this collection is Southwestern jewelry at its most refined.

January 16th, 2020 - Germantown Textiles

January 14, 2020

Germantown, Pennsylvania was founded in 1683, and from its very beginning was a center of textile production, but it wasn’t until the Civil War that it became known for industrial wool mills. As textile mills proliferated, “Germantown” became synonymous with worsted weight 4 ply wool, and this high quality yarn began to be shipped around the country. Although the Diné first began using machine milled yarn during their imprisonment at Bosque Redondo, it was the arrival of the railroad to the reservation in the 1880’s that spurred an explosion of Navajo Germantown weavings in the 1880-1890’s, and the vast majority of extant weavings date from this period. One of the most lauded type of Navajo weavings, Germantown eye-dazzlers are characterized by intricate and colorful designs, often incorporating serrated diamonds as decorative elements. Having access to store bought wool meant that weavers didn’t have to prepare the wool, and were able to dedicate more energy to detailed and time intensive designs.

December 19th, Of the Moment: McKee Platero

December 18, 2019

We are pleased to offer a rare treat for the holiday season: a collection of jewelry by legendary Navajo silversmith Mckee Platero. Mckee Platero is one of the most sought after contemporary Native silversmiths. Collectors prize his heavy gauge repoussé, original designs and exquisite stampwork. This group is vintage Mckee, and came to us from a private collection where it has been treasured for many years.

December 11th, 2019: A Group of Extraordinary Objects

December 11, 2019

As the year rounds to a close, and we are presented with best- of lists and curated gift guides, we reflected on pieces that have moved us and chose a group of personal favorites for this collection. No single unifying theme, only that each piece is extraordinary. From the buttery leather of a hundred year old bandolier bag to the burnished ochre of Diego Romero’s newest masterpiece, each object in this group is from a distinct moment in Southwestern history. A technicolor Childs blanket from the 1870’s, and a 1960’s lapis necklace which gently rests on the clavicle, this collection speaks to the ability of art to transcend trends as well as time, and show that true treasures are forever pieces.

December 4th, 2019 Of the Moment, Blue Gem Turquoise

December 3, 2019

Blue Gem turquoise was discovered in 1934 in Nevada, and quickly became popular for its distinctive deep color, and gem quality stone. One of the most recognizable types of turquoise, it is prized by collectors and jewelers alike. We are pleased to present this collection, which features early unidentified jewelers alongside known and collected masters of the mid 20th century. The work in this group represents a variety of styles and techniques, from channel inlay to intricate silverwork and repousse, and serves to highlight the predominate fashions in Native silverwork of the mid 20th century.

November 14th, Of the Moment - Cross Textiles

November 14, 2019

With this exquisite collection, we celebrate a truly universal design in an iconic form. Representative of a positive force or seen as a directional symbol, among the Diné it is referred as a Spider Woman’s Cross. In Navajo oral traditions, Spider Woman taught the Navajo to weave by constructing a loom made of earth and sky cords. Crosses are a favored motif for weavers and are found on Navajo weavings from the Classic period to contemporary times. This collection focuses on the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the beginning of the Trading Post Era and the development of styles and color combinations that have become synonymous with Navajo weaving.

Richard Chavez, Master Jeweler

October 23, 2019

We are pleased to offer you an incredible selection from master jeweler Richard Chavez. Richard Chavez was born in 1949 and raised in San Felipe Pueblo, along the banks of the Rio Grande. His work, keeping with the belief system of his community, is non-representational, instead relying on his exquisite craftsmanship and lapidary work. In the 1970s, Richard worked as an architectural draftsman for Harvey S. Hoshour, as well as attending UNM’s School of Architecture. These experiences greatly influenced his aesthetic as well his artistic process.To this day, every piece which he creates begins as a carefully drawn diagram, and Chavez continues to cite Bauhaus and Van der Rohe as inspirations for his jewelry. Richard Chavez’s work uses innovative materials that are painstakingly selected, piecing stones of irregular lengths and widths to create practically seamless creations, which are distinctly contemporary but celebrate the beauty of organic materials.

Leekya Deyuse: Master Zuni Carver

August 24, 2019

Leekya Deyuse (1889-1966) is perhaps one of the most famous and sought after Zuni Fetishists of all time. His animal figures, necklaces and turquoise figurines that are still distinctive among fetish carvings and highly valued. He is shown in museums and collections throughout the nation because of his exquisite craftsmanship and artistry.

Sonwai & Ken Williams Jr., Indian Market 2019

August 15, 2019

Phillip Vigil, Indian Market Show 2019

August 14, 2019

Diego Romero, Indian Market Show 2019

August 13, 2019

Beautiful Blue Rings, August 29th, 2019

July 29, 2019

We are pleased to present some of our prettiest blue turquoise rings in a variety of shapes and sizes!

May 21st, 2019: Of the Moment Plains & Plateau Beadwork

May 21, 2019

We are pleased to announce a special group of Native American beaded objects from a Santa Fe collection. All of the pieces in this collection date from the late 19th and early 20th century, and mark a transitional period from items of personal use to beaded items made for sale. Some items are ethnographic, such as the strike-a-light bag made to carry flint, but the stars of this collection are the handbags, which are completely beaded in intricate Central Plains beadwork. In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, Native artists of the Plains improvised with traditional techniques and innovative materials to create portable masterpieces that celebrated traditional arts as well as appealing to a wider audience. This collection has examples of quillwork, Chippewa Ojibwe floral scrollwork, and traditional Lakota geometric as well as pictorial beadwork.

February 21st, Of the Moment: Southwestern Belt Buckles

February 21, 2019

We are thrilled to present a huge group of vintage belt buckles and ranger sets in our featured Of the Moment collection. This selection draws from several different artistic traditions, ranging from early Navajo cast buckles, commemorative rodeo pieces and beautifully inlaid Zuni ranger sets. This group also reflects our continuing effort to represent the finest Southwestern artists of the 20th century, including Charles Loloma, Kenneth Begay and Julian Lovato. With over a hundred pieces to choose from, and a variety of price points, we like to think that there is something for everyone, so please enjoy the collection!

January 2019 OTM Navajo Spoons 1900-1950

January 18, 2019

In the last decade of the 19th century, a craze for collecting souvenir spoons began spreading across the US. Originally thought to have originated in Europe, the craze was helped along by the Chicago World Fair, and the crash of the silver market in 1893. This moment in history coincided with the expansion of the railroads out west, and the first commercial tourism to the southwest. The Native silversmiths of the southwest, Pueblo and Navajo artists, capitalized on this trend, and began making embellished silver utensils for sale to tourists and collectors alike. While some spoons from this time period are engraved with place names, it is much more common to see teaspoons adorned with typical “Indian” style stamps. One commonly occurring design was a swastika, known among southwestern people was a “whirling log.” Originally found in Navajo sandpainting, they began occurring in weavings and jewelry around the turn of the 20th century. Its use continued until 1940, when an accord was signed by Navajo, Papago, Apache and Hopi peoples to discontinue its use because it had been “desecrated recently by another nation of peoples.”

December 16th, 2018: Of the Moment

December 15, 2018

Boyd & Allister

December 15, 2018

October 25th, Of the Moment: Squash Blossom Necklaces

October 25, 2018