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My partner and I will be visiting Santa Fe next week for vacation and to hopefully purchase some property to build a home.
In the meantime, where is the best place to buy native, pueblo pottery and not spend hundreds to thousands of dollars? Alas, we didn't win the powerball Saturday night....
I would like to know too! I have been in the Andrea Fisher gallery in the plaza and they have beautiful things, but WAY over my budget. I think I bought one or two TINY items there a long time ago. Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery
I had also heard that you can go to some of the pueblos themselves and buy directly from the potters. I tried going to one once, saw a sign for 'pottery' and 'open' in the window of a home once, knocked on the door, was invited inside. The lady had 4 pots for sale, none of which I thought were very nice and they were also very expensive. It was kind of awkward at that point, so I said 'thank you' and left. It was just too awkward for me. I presume if you know exactly where to go and what to look for, this may work for you.
Ran across the Andrea Fisher Gallery for best places to shop in SF, but the only shopping we'll be doing there is window shopping, DUH!
Also came across the tip re: going directly to the Native Indians in the area. But, I can see how that could be awkward based on your experience.
We're not looking for priceless, one of a kind items, just something not made in China.
In my next life I'm going to have Tina Turner's hair and lots of money, : )
My partner and I will be visiting Santa Fe next week for vacation and to hopefully purchase some property to build a home.
In the meantime, where is the best place to buy native, pueblo pottery and not spend hundreds to thousands of dollars? Alas, we didn't win the powerball Saturday night....
Thanks.
J & K
Dallas, TX
To avoid paying silly 'tourist' prices, don't shop in Santa Fe for those items.
It will take time and research to find the right places for what you seek, unfortunately.
Thanx for the link to the Tesuque Flea Market NMHacker.
That looks like a great place to visit/shop one morning or afternoon as a side trip outside SF proper.
The other place wish sounds promising is the portals at The Palace of the Governors at the plaza.
Be careful at the Tesuque Flea Market - much stuff may be called Indian-made, but what on continent or what part of the Americas they were made is up for grabs.
Go into shops in Santa Fe - not necessarily to buy (though you might be tempted) to at least to get an education so you know what kinds of pottery are made by the various pueblos and artists, and know what to look for when you go further afield.
I love going to the pueblos themselves. Many are a short drive and it's great meeting the artists and you can negotiate a fair price. At the Palace of the Governors portal you can also meet the artists and be assured of buying authentic Indian-made items - primarily jewelry; I don't remember pots being sold there.
If you have time, take a drive to Gallup. I've also found good deals in the pawn sections of shops even in Santa Fe. Gertrude Zachary has a few locations in Albuquerque and very fair prices - mostly jewelry, but other goods too. The Old Town plaza area in Albuquerque might also be a good place to visit. Lots of shops and decent prices. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque is good. You can also check out the Case Trading Post at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe. In fact, if you can get out to some of the trading posts that are still in existence, that would be great. I also love the Acoma Pueblo and the Hopi reservation.
Oh my, I'd better stop now….
P.S. For those who don't know, and unless things have changed, the only thing Indian about the Tesuque Flea Market is that it is located on Tesuque Pueblo land. Last I heard they just lease out the space and the folks running it are definitely not Native American. I'll be glad to be corrected if someone has different information.
Don't get the idea that it's an ordeal. It's not. There are plenty of shops in Santa Fe and I'll bet you find a terrific locally made Indian pot to take home with you. You certainly don't have to spend a lot of money. As long as you buy from a reputable dealer (like the Case Trading Post or any number of shops/galleries) or the artists themselves, you can be assured of getting the genuine article. Most of the galleries know the artists they represent personally. And no legitimate dealer wants to get charged with a felony for misrepresenting Indian-made art; it's bad for business! Just ask the dealer and, if you want, ask them to certify its authenticity on your receipt or give you a letter of authenticity.
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