Collector's
Spotlight


Collector's Hall of Fame

A very old and unusual basket.   From one of the so-called Mission tribes of California.   (The appellation covers most of the coastal groups from the Digueno to the Chumash.)   It dates somewhere between 1880 to 1920.   There are a few missing stitches along the rim, but not bad at all for being about 100 years old.   It measures 14.325 by 3.75 inches, with four coils per inch.   $2400.

A fine example of work by the pioneering and versatile Navajo silversmith, Tommy Singer.   A medium ladies’ size at 5.5 inches plus a 1 inch opening,   2 inches wide and set with very good quality natural turquoise from the Kingman Mine, in a chiseled bezel.   $675.

This Hopi overlay bracelet was made by the late Paul Saufkie Sr., a member of the Snow Clan from Soongopavi Village on Second Mesa.   His silversmithing career spanned nearly three-quarters of a century.   Born into the Snow Clan in 1898, he passed in 1993.   Just over ¾ of an inch wide, it is set with turquoise that appears to be from the Turquoise Mountain Mine.   $675.

It is rare to get any of the ceramic work by Otellie Pasivaya Loloma, wife of the late Charles Loloma.   She was one of the founding faculty of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
The Butterfly Maiden sculpture measures 6.4 inches high.   $1200.
It was made and collected in the mid 1950s, when Charles and Otellie used to frequent Tucson to visit friends.   Signed in pencil.

There are certain pieces of jewelry by Sam’s grandfather and father that are signature pieces, masterful creations that stand as testament to their keen eye for design and exceptional dedication to the execution of that vision.   This is such a piece of Sam Patania's work.   Set in 22 kt gold with 18 kt gold beads and nearly 60 carats of the finest blue spiderweb turquoise from the Candelario Mine (or anywhere else, in my opinion) this is an heirloom.   Priced at   $16,000.00.

Six rings with some great turquoise & coral! Back row, from left to right:
-This ring was made by the late Jimmie Herald Sr., a Navajo silversmith who apprenticed with Frank Patania Sr. Hollowware shank set with a spectacular turquoise from the Royal Blue Mine in Nevada. $475
-This coral ring is hallmarked LS. A half-dozen silversmiths use that mark but in this case I am pretty certain it is an early piece by Navajo jeweler Leonard Schmallie, who now uses a more elaborate hallmark. $275.
-A very nice piece of Lander Blue turquoise set in 14 kt gold by S Chavez - a Navajo jeweler who worked in the 1970s, about whom I am trying to learn more. $2200.
Front row, left to right:
-Indian Mountain spiderweb turquoise from Nevada graces this ring. $360
-Navajo jeweler Mary Marie set this turquoise - which is from either Indian Mountain or Red Mountain Mine - I can't say for certain which. Regardless, it's beautiful natural spiderweb turquoise. $350.
-A good blue Kingman nugget turquoise with pyrite and quartz inclusions, set by Ed Kee, whose uncles worked with Kenneth Begay at White Hogan in Scottsdale for many years. $185

      Finding a katsina carved by Tewaquaptewa (last traditional ‘chief’ of Orayvi Village) is rare.
      Finding three is exceptional.

      From left to right:

      (Resembles a Kocha Mana/White Maiden except for the mouth) $2400. – 9.5 inches high.
      (Resembles a Kocha Honau Mana/White Bear Maiden) $3000. – 9 inches high.
      (Has elements of a Tasaf, Supai and Fox katsina) $2400. – 9.5 inches high.

              (For a photograph and more information on Tewaquaptewa, click here.)

This is a very exceptional piece of jewelry on several counts.   First, it is by Robert Sorrell, who is, in my opinion, one of the finest jewelry artists working today.   Secondly, it is set with one of the finest and largest pieces of spiderweb turquoise (from the Gold Canyon Mine) I have seen.   And then there is the design itself: The cut of the stone clearly suggests a bear and that is what drive the design.   A beautiful coral at top is inspired by the offerings often attached to the top of a bear fetish.   On reverse are four shell beads representing the four mountains (which are the natural home to bears) that mark the boundaries of traditional Dinetah, or Navajoland. And there is the constellation Ursa Major – Big Bear.   A wonderful piece that will fit a medium lady’s size wrist,   $3200.

This cluster bracelet dates to around 1930, when both Navajo and Zuni were making this style of work.   It measures 1.9 inches across at the widest part.   $1100.

  A very nice example of the late Helen Shupla’s (1928-1985) melon bowls and in perfect condition.   6 inches high an 6.5 inches across.   $3000.

A very finely fashioned silver box by Navajo jewelry Kee Joe Benally, made in the 1970s.   3 by 2 by 1.25 inches and set with a naturtal turquoise from one of the Nevada mines.   $475

This very fine belt came from the private collection of one of the finest Western painters of the past century (provenance available upon request).   It was made in the post WWII era, possibly by Ambrose Lincoln or Ambrose Roanhorse, but certainly by a Navajo silversmith of that stature and skill.   It is set with outstanding natural spiderweb turquoise from Nevada; my best guess is either Red Mountain or Lone Mountain.   Two stones are cracked (it was worn, after all).   $6000.

This style of cluster bracelet was made by both Navajo and Zuni artists in the 1920s to early 30s.   In excellent condition.   Classic.   $1275.

Squash Blossom Necklace.   Post WWII – 1950 Navajo squash blossom necklace strung with fluted beads.   The naja is set with turquoise that appears to be from one of the Nevada mines.   If you look closely, the second squash blossom from the top on the right side has a serrated tab, typical of pre-WWII work.   It is the only one on the necklace with that decorative treatment.   A very nicely made piece.   $1500.

A fabulous piece of natural, spiderweb turquoise with iron pyrite (Fools Gold) inclusions from Gold Canyon and set a in bracelet by long-time Navajo slilversmith Tom Willeto.   The stone measures approximately 1.25 by 2 inches.   $1800