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There is nothing "hokey" about the authentic trading posts, IMO. The problem arises when there are "trading posts" that are nothing more than curio shops catering to the tourist trade.
There are at least two reputable businesses in Gallup that represent/trade with regional Indians - Perry Null and Richardson's.
There are a couple in the Shiprock/Gallup area renowned for the Navajo blankets they sell. The "Toadlena" trading post is actually on the reservation about half way between Gallup and Shiprock - featured in several of author Tony Hillerman's mystery novels.
And then there is the historic 1800s "Hubbell" trading post on the Navajo reservation in Ganado, AZ that is a National Historic Site. While not in NM, it is just across the state line and but a short drive from Gallup.
My first best guess would be Richardsons in Gallup. But it has been a few years since I've been up to that part of the country!
I was at Richardson's in Gallup last year. As we were the only ones in the store that morning, the employees spent a LOT of time with us.
Richardson's views themselves as a local bank for people in the area. They accept a lot of family treasures on pawn. They generally hold on to everything a year before placing it out for sale to the general public.
They had some very interesting items - locally produced jewelry, saddles, blankets and furniture among other stuff.
Richardson's views themselves as a local bank for people in the area. They accept a lot of family treasures on pawn. They generally hold on to everything a year before placing it out for sale to the general public.
This is the traditional role of "authentic" trading posts that actually trade with the local Indians. They provide a vital service by acting as repositories for ancestral treasures as well as providing credit for hand-made goods intended for sale.
In the Albuquerque area I would recommend the Palms Trading CO near 15th and Lomas. They carry a lot of quality jewelry and other handicrafts from a variety of local Native American artists. They are considered a wholesaler, but they do a pretty swift business to the tourist crowd since it's so close to Old Town.
joqua: My point was that most "trading posts" nationwide are not 'authentic'. Perhaps most are in NM, since there are likely more 'real' ones.
So we're in agreement.
The OP (hawk1) asked about the "best" trading post in NM, and specified "not the hokey kind" so I was focusing on that. Of course the OP hasn't seemed to take an interest in any of the responses, so who knows why the question was posed.
Actually I've been very interested. I've checked out the trading posts on-line (those which have websites) and I've taken note of all so when I'm the area I can stop in and take a look at their goods.
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