Southwestern Souvenirs

Actually, after such a strong headline, I have to hedge. This was my first Indian Market since 2001. Nine years’ absence has good and bad features. I have it on good report that the middle 2000s were prosperous years for IM. Storm clouds lurked around the 2008 Market, and last year definitely showed some signs of the recession.

A view of Santa Fe Indian Market (along the Plaza).

What I did notice, however, was a change in the early morning crowds. These are generally the collectors, devotees who camp out and cluster possessively around their favorite artist’s booth. Their numbers were lighter than I’d ever seen before. Now, this doesn’t mean that high end and major collectors weren’t buying; they reportedly were doing so but were quieter about it, arranging sales through dealers established at the local hotels. Indian Market early morning collectors, however, often are the very people (like myself) who find themselves having leaner, less discretionary-type funds this year.

The artists have the most telling report, and theirs was generally positive. Popular artists sold out quickly or went home with most of their inventory gone. Many felt upbeat, but the long term mood remains wary. This recession is still out there.

This year’s Indian Market was less crowded in the morning, although the word was that serious collectors were still buying. Many of these purchases occur in the hotels where dealers hold open house. Prices were fairly high, including all the categories. Frankly, compared to other years, I was underwhelmed.

An interesting note: I saw fewer heishi sellers from Kewa Pueblo than in the past, and fewer beaders and fetish carvers. Jewelry remained predominant. Prices for adornment were definitely higher than what one found at the Heard Museum Guild Fair and Indian Market in March. Pottery seemed strong , a trend that has been steady for a while. 

Below is what you need to have when touring SWAIA Indian Market.