fine Indian art for 77 years

In this moving collection, Gordon Lee Johnson (Cupeño/Cahuilla) distinguishes himself not only as a wry commentator on American Indian reservation life but also as a master of fiction writing. In Johnson's stories, all of which are set on the fictional San Ignacio reservation in Southern California, we meet unforgettable characters like Plato Pena, the Stanford-bound geek who reads Kahlil Gibran during intertribal softball games; hardboiled investigator Roddy Foo; and Etta, whose motto is "early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and advertise," as they face down circumstances by turns ordinary and devastating.
Johnson plumbs the comedy, catastrophe, and beauty of his life on the Pala Reservation to thunderous effect. $22.00 (TUCSON)

Circa 1880, this Chief’s blanket pattern textile was woven of natural grey wool, aniline dye red and indigo blue. It measures 53 by 35 inches. Very good condition with minimal restoration. More details and important close-ups in our Vintage Weavings Gallery.

At right: a Bear Rattle carved of cedar by Kwakiutl master carver Tim Alfred. 12 inches tall with stand. $875. (TUCSON)

The earrings and the bracelet are set with natural spiderweb turquoise from the famed #8 Mine in Nevada. From around 1950. Details in the Collector’s Gallery.

A Pima basket from around 1930-40. 14.5 inches across and 4.75 inches deep. Excellent condition - no missing or damaged stitches. $975.

We recently acquired this older Hospow or Roadrunner katsina by Manfred Susunkewa. It is 16.25 inches high to feather tips and is $750. (SANTA FE)

A bear carved of sodalite by Lynn Quam. 3.75 inches long. $105. (TUCSON)

At right: a piggyback Koyemsi (Mudhead). Carved 50+ years ago, it is unsigned. For more photos check our Vintage katsina gallery. 15.5 inches tall. $675. (TUCSON)

In the same vein as his marvelous ring below to the left, but executed in copper, which really enhances the overall appearance of his meticulous crafted inlay work. Spondylus shell, lapis lazuli, natural turquoise, malachite and shell. 1/2 inch wide and made for a medium wrist. $900. (TUCSON

MORNING PRAYER
carved of Italian marble by Navajo sculptor Tim Washburn, 27.5 inches tall. $4500. (TUCSON)

While woven in traditional Two Grey Hill colors, this could have been woven there or anywhere else on the Navajo Reservation. Circa 1960s, it measures 35 by 24 inches. 12 warp and 36 weft threads per inch. No damage, no fading. $475.