Best places to buy Navajo art

The Authentic Threads: Navigating the Best Places to Buy Navajo Art

Acquiring Navajo art is more than a transaction; it’s an investment in a vibrant culture, a storied history, and the masterful hands of its creators. From intricate silverwork adorned with turquoise to the geometric precision of a hand-woven rug, Navajo artistry holds a profound beauty and a deep spiritual connection. For the discerning collector or the enthusiastic newcomer, the quest for authentic pieces demands an understanding of where to look, what to look for, and the ethical considerations that elevate a purchase beyond mere acquisition. This guide delves directly into the best places to buy Navajo art, emphasizing authenticity, quality, and direct support for artists.

The Heart of the Matter: On the Navajo Nation Itself

For an unparalleled experience and the most direct connection to artists, the Navajo Nation — Diné Bikeyah — is the ultimate destination. Buying directly supports the artists and their communities, often at more accessible prices, and provides an invaluable opportunity to hear the stories behind the art firsthand.

Trading Posts: Historic Gateways to Art
The historic trading post system, while complex in its origins, remains a vital conduit for Navajo art. These establishments often have generations-long relationships with artists, ensuring authenticity and a curated selection.

• Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (Ganado, AZ): A living museum and active trading post, Hubbell is perhaps the most iconic. Here, you can find exquisite Ganado Red rugs, jewelry, and pottery, knowing that your purchase directly supports Navajo families. The staff are knowledgeable, providing rich context for each piece. It’s a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the enduring cultural exchange.
• Two Grey Hills Trading Post (Newcomb, NM): Renowned globally for its distinctive, undyed natural wool rugs featuring intricate patterns in shades of black, white, grey, and brown, Two Grey Hills is a pilgrimage site for textile enthusiasts. The quality here is consistently exceptional, representing the pinnacle of Navajo weaving.
• Toadlena Trading Post (Toadlena, NM): Similar to Two Grey Hills, Toadlena specializes in its unique style of weaving, often characterized by fine craftsmanship and earthy tones. These remote trading posts are often harder to reach but offer an incredibly authentic buying experience and truly regional styles.

Direct from Artists & Local Markets:
Throughout the Navajo Nation, especially during cultural events, opportunities arise to purchase directly from artists.

• Navajo Nation Fair (Window Rock, AZ): Held annually in September, this is the largest Native American fair in the country. Its vast arts and crafts market is an incredible place to meet artists, witness demonstrations, and purchase a wide array of art, from jewelry and pottery to baskets and carvings.



• Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial (Gallup, NM): While Gallup is a border town, its annual Inter-Tribal Ceremonial in August attracts artists from across the Southwest, including many Navajo. The juried art show and market are excellent venues for finding high-quality pieces.
• Roadside Stands & Artisan Cooperatives: Keep an eye out for smaller, local operations, particularly along major routes. While these can sometimes be less formal, they often offer unique finds and direct interaction with the creators. Always engage respectfully and inquire about the artist and their process.

A Word on Gallup: Known as the "Indian Capital of the World," Gallup, New Mexico, serves as a major hub for Native American art. While it has a reputation for both authentic and less-than-authentic items, its numerous reputable galleries, such as Toh-Atin Gallery and Richardson’s Trading Company, have long-standing relationships with Navajo artists and are trusted sources for high-quality jewelry, rugs, and pottery. It’s crucial to distinguish these established galleries from souvenir shops that might offer mass-produced imitations.

Reputable Galleries & Dealers: Curated Expertise Off-Nation

For those unable to travel deep into the Navajo Nation, or for collectors seeking a curated selection, established galleries and dealers in major art centers offer expertise, provenance, and a broader range of styles and price points.

• Santa Fe, New Mexico: As one of the world’s premier art destinations, Santa Fe boasts numerous galleries specializing in Native American art.
  • Packard’s on the Plaza: A venerable institution known for its fine jewelry and textiles.
  • Shiprock Santa Fe: Specializes in historic and contemporary Native American art, including museum-quality textiles and jewelry.
  • Adobe Gallery: Focuses on Pueblo pottery but often carries exceptional Navajo textiles and jewelry.
  • The annual Santa Fe Indian Market (SWAIA): Held every August, this prestigious market is a juried event showcasing the finest Native American art. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to meet award-winning Navajo artists and purchase their latest creations.
• Scottsdale, Arizona: Another significant center for Southwestern and Native American art.
  • The Heard Museum Shop (Phoenix, AZ): While technically a museum shop, its selection is extensive and curated, featuring high-quality jewelry, textiles, and other art forms from Navajo and other Native artists. The museum itself is a must-visit for its extensive collections.
  • Numerous galleries in Old Town Scottsdale: Many specialize in high-end Native American jewelry and art, often with decades of experience and strong artist relationships. Look for galleries that clearly label artists and provide provenance.
• Albuquerque, New Mexico:
  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: While focused on Pueblo cultures, its gift shop often carries a selection of Navajo jewelry and textiles, guaranteed authentic.
  • Old Town Albuquerque: Features several galleries specializing in Native American art, similar to Santa Fe but often with a slightly different regional focus.
• Other Major Cities: Major cities with strong Native American populations or historical connections often have excellent galleries. Examples include Denver, CO, and sometimes even larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or New York for high-end, museum-quality pieces.

Museum Shops: Authenticity & Educational Value

Museum gift shops, particularly those affiliated with institutions dedicated to Native American art and culture, are often overlooked but excellent sources for authentic Navajo art. Purchases typically support the museum’s mission, which often includes direct support for Native artists and educational programs.

• The Heard Museum Shop (Phoenix, AZ): Already mentioned, but bears repeating for its outstanding selection and guaranteed authenticity.
• Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian (Santa Fe, NM): Its gift shop, the Case Trading Post, offers a carefully curated selection of Navajo and other Native American art, with a strong emphasis on quality and authenticity.
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (Santa Fe, NM): Another excellent institution with a shop that upholds the highest standards of authenticity and quality.

These shops often feature works by award-winning artists and provide valuable educational materials about the art and its cultural significance.

Online: Proceed with Extreme Caution and Due Diligence

The internet offers unparalleled convenience and selection, but it is also a minefield for inauthentic or misattributed Native American art. While legitimate online galleries exist, the risk of fraud is significantly higher.

Best Practices for Online Buying:

• Stick to Reputable Galleries’ Websites: Many of the brick-and-mortar galleries mentioned above have robust online presences (e.g., Shiprock Santa Fe, Toh-Atin Gallery). These are generally safe bets.
• Look for Clear Provenance: A reputable seller will provide detailed information about the artist, materials, creation date, and any previous ownership.
• High-Resolution Images: Demand clear, detailed photos from multiple angles.
• Return Policy: Ensure there’s a clear, generous return policy.
• Certificates of Authenticity: While not foolproof, these can be a good sign when issued by a reputable dealer.
• Avoid General Marketplaces (Ebay, Etsy, Amazon): Unless the seller is explicitly an established, well-known gallery with thousands of positive reviews and a track record of selling genuine Native art, avoid these platforms for significant purchases. The risk of encountering "Native-inspired" or mass-produced items masquerading as authentic is exceptionally high.

Crucial Fact: The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990
This U.S. law prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Native American art and craft products. It makes it illegal to market a product as "Native American," "Indian," or the product of a particular tribe (e.g., "Navajo") if it is not made by a member of a federally or state-recognized tribe. Always inquire if a seller is in compliance with this act. Look for sellers who explicitly state their commitment to the Act.

Ethical Buying: Beyond the Purchase

When buying Navajo art, ethical considerations are paramount. Your purchase should not only bring you joy but also contribute positively to the artists and their communities.

• Support Native Artists Directly: This is the most impactful way to ensure fair compensation and continuation of artistic traditions.
• Beware of "Native-Inspired" or "Southwestern Style": These terms are often used to market mass-produced items not made by Native artists.
• Ask Questions: Inquire about the artist, the materials, the process, and the story behind the piece. A knowledgeable seller will be happy to provide this information.
• Look for Artist Signatures or Hallmarks: Many Navajo jewelers use a hallmark or signature stamp. Weavers often leave a "spirit line" in their rugs – a small, deliberate break in the pattern believed to allow the weaver’s spirit to escape the piece.
• Value Authenticity Over Price: While everyone appreciates a good deal, unbelievably low prices for genuine, handcrafted Navajo art are a major red flag. Quality art takes time, skill, and costly materials.

The Enduring Legacy

Navajo art is a testament to resilience, creativity, and deep cultural heritage. From the intricate patterns of a Two Grey Hills rug, echoing the landscape and spirit of the Diné, to the bold statements of a turquoise and silver squash blossom necklace, each piece tells a story. By seeking out authentic sources and engaging in ethical purchasing practices, collectors not only acquire beautiful objects but also become stewards of a living tradition, ensuring that the authentic threads of Navajo artistry continue to weave their magic for generations to come. The journey to find the perfect piece is an exploration of beauty, history, and profound human connection. Choose wisely, buy ethically, and cherish the stories embedded within each masterpiece.