Native American
art is truly one of America's great art forms. Pottery, in particular,
could be considered America's first great art form since
it was here that objects which were once utilitarian began to
evolve into something decorative. Eventually pottery was produced
as a thing of beauty only, not meant to be used, but simply
meant to be enjoyed.
Other Native
crafts soon followed suit; take the evolution of Hopi kachina
carvings for example. Over time these carvings have become exquisite
products of refined abilities and talented hands. Consider the
skill required of a master-carver who creates a figure entirely
out of a single piece of lightweight cottonwood. It doesn't leave
much room for mistake, and each is an original work of
art: one-of-a-kind!
Woven baskets
and rugs are another great example of utilitarian goods that
have evolved over time but that also retain some of their own
intrinsic beauty. People often ask why great Hopi baskets are
so hard to come by, and the answer is simple. They are still
prized by the people who make them. Hopi baskets are used as
a form of payment when families exchange services for important
ceremonies, such as marriages, etc. They are also coveted symbols
of "victory" at traditional Hopi basket dances. Perhaps
nothing is more impressive than observing dozens of Hopi women
standing in a circle in the plaza - holding their cherished coil
plaques as they sing and dance throughout the ceremony.
Indian blankets,
or "rugs," were first called "Chief's Blankets"
in the Southwest because they were so valuable that only the
Chief of the tribe or village could afford to own one. Traders
influenced the development of designs in the 19th century by
introducing weavers to beautiful Persian weavings. The weavers
were inspired and innovated the designs we are familiar with
today - Teec Nos Pos, Burntwater, Klagetoh, Two Grey Hills, and
many others. Some weavers still hand card, hand spin, and naturally
dye their wool - which adds many long hours to the production
process, not to mention the incredible knowledge and skill also
required.
Native American
art is one of America's greatest art forms in every sense
of the word. Perhaps what makes it unique among other great art
forms of the world is its accessibility. While most of us will
never own a Renoir or Van Gogh, there are American originals
(Native American originals) within our reach. Whether
you appreciate the charm and beauty of a small seed pot with
all its history and tradition, or the more elaborate and bold
appearance of a masterfully carved kachina doll, the opportunity
to be a part of this truly great and first American art form
is there to be had.
Over the years,
Native American art as an art form has also evolved. It
has emerged from the margins having made the transition from
something that was once considered a craft to something more
widely recognized as fine art. The time is long overdue, but
the legacy remains the same. Finally it has received the recognition
it deserves and is experiencing the same kind of appreciation
as other types of investment-grade artwork from all around the
globe.
We are proud
to be a part of a growing effort to preserve and promote this
rich cultural heritage, and we're pleased to present selections
of some of the very finest Indigenous art the American Southwest
has to offer.
