Red, White and Bold: Masterworks of Navajo Design, 1840-1870

On view now at the Denver Art Museum,  Red, White and Bold: Masterworks of Navajo Design, 1840-1870 presents about fifty of the greatest examples of Navajo textile design. Drawing from the DAM collections, other museums, and private collections, this exhibition will surprise and delight museum visitors with the bold use of color and sophisticated design sensibilities. Showing works created as prestige shoulder blankets, this exhibition will explore the designer’s eye in pattern development and layout—and especially highlight the effect the textile would have as it was worn draped around a human form to enhance the stature and visibility of the wearer.

Visit the exhibition's official website.

Poncho, ca. 1850

Installation view

Images courtesy of the Denver Art Museum

Native American Art Auction at Bonhams

On June 3, Bonhams and Butterfields of San Francisco will hold a large sale of fine antiques and artifacts from indigenous tribes across North America.  Comprising over 5,000 lots, the assemblage will offer Southwest ceramics and carvings, Eskimo ritual items, and much more. 

For more information, view the online catalogue.

Polychrome storage jar - Hopi

Chief's blanket  -  Navajo

Transformation mask - Yup'ik

Information and images courtesy of Bonhams

Native American Art Auction - Bonhams - May 14, 2012

Bonhams will present a sale of Native American art and antiquities on May 14 in New York. Showcasing the collection of Nancy Sue and Judson C. Ball, the lots will comprise an impressive host of fine Hopi kachina dolls, groups of Apache baskets and Navajo weavings, and more.

Visit the official website. 

Kachina representing Sotuqnang-u, the God of the Sky  -  Hopi, Arizona, US

Kachina representing A-Ha Kachina mana  -  Hopi, Arizona, US

Painted drum head  -  Robert Davidson, Haida, Alaska, US

Child's blanket  -  Navajo, Arizona, US

Olla  - Apache, Central US

Information and images courtesy of Bonhams