This sounds terrible, but is true. Collectors look for the work of certain artists. If they are in ill health or have recently died, they jump on the remaining pieces. I did that with a gorgeous turquoise ring, which is now worth several times more than I paid for it. I’d say it would sell for close to a thousand dollars. Yep, we’re dealing with that kind of quality.
Expect to pay no less than about $150 for a 2”X2” sterling pendent that would fit on a strand of heishi. Rings go anywhere from $25 to about $150, depending on the artist and the quality of work. A decent sterling cuff bracelet without stones will go anywhere from $75 to $200. Zuni inlay cuffs are rather expensive. I’d say expect to pay at least $450 for one.
Heishi is becoming more and more rare. Good heishi can run at least $500 for a necklace. Fetishes vary depending on size, quality, matrix, and designer. Sterling earrings are sterling earrings. You should know when you are being ripped off or not.
The Treasure of Navajo Rugs
Real ones are made on a hand-made cedar loom. The wool for the blanket will have come from the family sheep. It will have been sheered and spun by hand. Dyes should be natural. You will rarely find a real Navajo rug that is not an earth tone or something that can be created from a readily available natural dye. Hold a rug up to the light; the tighter the weave the better. Ideally, very few pinpricks of light should be seen in it. Rugs can run from the low hundreds into the tens of thousands depending on age, size and weave.
When a Navajo makes an item, it is never perfect. Perfection is an insult to the gods. There should always be one deliberate small mistake somewhere, be it jewelry, wedding baskets, or rugs. Wedding baskets have a specific pattern that is broken in one spot because there is always a way out.
Pueblos and Pottery Tradition
All are different. I am not an expert in Southwest pottery. Pottery value is determined by the fame of the artist. The most famous potters were Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso and Lucy Lewis of Acoma. She was known as “Frogwoman” because of her frog logo. Her pieces, when you can find them, now sell for a minimum of $1,500. (Yep, I have one.)
Article comments
1 - Emil
Yes! Maria Martinez has a great history of pottery making. The San Ildefonso Pueblo has manny great potters.
2 - Sheilah Link
Found your article very helpful and read it even though it was not quite what I was looking for. It was well written and an easy read. Thank you.
3 - Diana
I've found that a great place to buy quality native american art pieces, whether it be pottery, jewelry, rugs, or other crafts, is from a store in Albuquerque, New Mexico called Palms Trading Company. It is a family owned business that sells great products at great prices. To view some of the various items the store sells, go to their website. The store sells authentic pieces, as artists come in daily to trade for other pieces or to sell their work. Check it out-you won't be disappointed.
4 - Swarovski Crystals
Yeah thats great article indeed.I like the history of Pottery making.