In early February, Santa Fe Art Auction returns with its Native Arts sale, an annual favorite that celebrates Indigenous art and culture. Showcasing roughly 450 lots and hundreds of artists, this year’s auction will feature an impressive array of contemporary and historic Pueblo and Tribal material, including Native American jewelry, textiles, paintings, pottery and more.
Maria Martinez (San Ildefonso, 1887-1981) and Popovi Da (San Ildefonso, 1920-1971), Feather Blackware Pot, fired clay, 41/8". Estimate: $3/5,000
Collectors can expect important works by Tony Abeyta, Helen Hardin, Maria Martinez, Popovi Da, R.C. Gorman, Earl Biss, Starr Hardridge, JoAnne Bird, Malcom Furlow, Paul J. Begay, Michael Schmaltz, Robert Lee Taylor, and many others.
“This auction will present a wide range of excellent works from Native artists throughout the country, working in many different mediums and traditions,” notes the auction house. “Santa Fe Art Auction is a nationwide leader in Native American Art, and has achieved record hammer prices for many works by leading historic and contemporary indigenous artists throughout the years.”
Tony Abeyta (Navajo (Diné)), Untitled, mixed media on canvas, 43½ x 28¼". Estimate: $3/6,000
Robert Lee Taylor (Cherokee/Blackfoot), The Physician, acrylic on canvas,153/5 x 31¾". Estimate: $1,500/2,500
Santa Fe Art Auction research associate Olivia Sherman points to a collaborative piece made by potters Martinez and Da as one of the highlights of the sale. “Maria Martinez and Popovi Da’s feather blackware pot is a significant and quintessential piece by the well-known mother-and-son team from San Ildefonso Pueblo. Maria Martinez is internationally renowned for the black-on-black pottery style that she pioneered,” says Sherman. The pot is anticipated to achieve between $3,000 and $5,000.
Abeyta will be represented by an untitled mixed-media on canvas work (est. $3/6,000) that demonstrates his distinctive, dynamic style. Sherman adds, “SFAA has routinely achieved record hammer prices for contemporary Diné (Navajo) artist Tony Abeyta, and we are privileged to present his works this February, including this vibrant and textured mixed media painting.”
Paul J. Begay (Navajo (Diné)), Carico Lake Turquoise Squash Blossom and Earrings Set, necklace hanging length: 201/2" Estimate: $2/3,000
Michael Schmaltz (Algonquin), Sterling Silver Cuff with Turquoise Cabochons, sterling silver and turquoise, 7".
Also of note is a classic work by Taylor (Cherokee/Blackfoot), a well-known modernist figurative artist who also has a strong auction record in SFAA sales. “The artist’s use of bold colors and negative space here is very strong,” says Sherman about the striking painting. Taylor’s The Physician has a high estimate of $2,500.
In the jewelry category, two stand-outs are a Carico Lake turquoise squash blossom and earrings set by Diné artist Paul J. Begay (est. $2/3,000); and a sterling silver and turquoise cuff by Algonquin artist Michael Schmaltz, valued in the same range.
R.C. Gorman (Navajo (Diné)), 1931-2005), Tasha, bronze, 247/8 x 14½ x 10". Estimate: $2/4,000
Earl Biss (Apsáalooke (Crow), 1947-1998), Untitled (Riders on Horseback), 1984, monoprint, 25 x 36½". Estimate: $2/4,000
Other works to keep an eye out for include an untitled monoprint of riders on horseback by Earl Biss (Apsáalooke (Crow), 1947-1998), a bronze by Navajo artist R.C. Gorman (1931-2005), and a large pictorial Navajo basketry tray. All of these works have high estimates at or under $4,000.
Looking ahead, Gillian Blitch, president and CEO of Santa Fe Art Auction says, “I’m encouraged to come out with our first sale of 2025 with robust and exciting inventory, and am excited about some remarkable collecting opportunities lined up for auction this year.”
Santa Fe Art Auction’s Native Arts sale will be held on February 5 and 6 in their Baca Railyard Showroom in Santa Fe. Interested parties can also register to participate via telephone, online and absentee bidding. —
February 5-6, 2025
Native Arts
Santa Fe Art Auction 932 Railfan Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 954-5858, www.santafeartauction.com
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