Southwestern Souvenirs

And if you want to feel conscious and unconscious understanding of nature and creation, watch a master silversmith at work. We visited Orville Tsinnie at his workshop in Shiprock, New Mexico, as part of our research for our upcoming book Southwestern Indian Rings. When writing a book for collectors, educating them on the actual process of construction is of paramount importance.

Orville is a excellent choice for this. He’s been making jewelry, including rings, since 1973. Self-taught, he has also helped train many other younger artists. His pieces follow the older style of Navajo jewelry, shaped with a respect for the power of the metal of the moon and the stones of sky and earth.

Orville Tsinnie at his workbench, in Shiprock, NM.

Next month, Tsinnie and hundreds of other Indian artists will be on the Santa Fe Plaza for the SWAIA annual Indian Market. This event is always held on the third weekend in August, and attracts a massive crowd of enthusiasts, tourists, curious consumers, and crazed collectors. We’ll begin a series of posts related to comfortably handling this arts market and deriving the best experience possible.

The Monument Valley Visitors Center: The gift shop is at the top and back.

If you are a serious collector, experienced or beginner, drive another 45 miles to Bluff. You pass through some gorgeously varied landscapes here, passing the tiny town of Mexican Hat, and follow a road that often parallels the San Juan River. There are seductive turnoffs along the way. Just as you reach the end of Bluff along Route 163, make a left turn into the graveled parking lot for Twin Rocks Trading Post.

Twin Rocks Trading Post, Bluff, Utah

The advantage of being in Four Corners Country is that you’re in the heart of Indian Country. The landscape here is what dreams and memories are made of. Your time should be spent exploring and investigating this almost seemingly otherworldly region. But you can also use your time well in finding true guides to the best qualities of Indian arts at this trading post, advancing your education, taste, and appreciation.