On June 18, Bonhams will present its next offering of historical Native American material at its Los Angeles showroom. Featuring approximately 200 lots spanning the mid-19th century through the first quarter of the 20th century, the sale will consist of several curated single-owner collections that include a broad selection of work by North American Indigenous peoples, ranging from the Arctic, Great Plains, Great Lakes, Southwest and beyond. Areas of emphasis include Plains beadwork and weapons, basketry from California and the Southwest, carvings from the Pacific Northwest, and Southwest weavings and pottery.
Mary Sampson (Yokuts), friendship basket, ca. 1850-1900, 10½ x 20”. Estimate: $20/30,000
Among the highlights are a Mary Sampson friendship basket with an estimate of $20,000 to $30,000 and a figural basket by Mary Weldon (Kelso Valley Kawaiisu) expected to achieve at least $25,000. “Central Californian basket makers Mary Sampson and Mary Weldon were both active in the late-19th/ early-20th century during the so-called renaissance or fluorescence era of California basketry,” explains Ingmārs Lindbergs, Bonhams director of Native American art. “The estimates reflect the quality and the craftsmanship of these two weavers.”
Other lots of note include Navajo late classic second phase chief blanket (est. $10/15,000), and a Northwest Coast raven effigy dish, possibly Haida or Heiltsuk in origin, expected to fetch between $5,000 and $8,000.
A Diné (Navajo) Late Classic Second Phase Chief Blanket. Estimate: $10/15,000
While Lindberg notes that the market for historic Native American art has been challenging across certain categories in recent years, he says “quality material that is fresh to the market continues to hold great appeal to serious collectors…Bonhams’ success in selling early Diné weavings for world-record prices in the last couple years is but one example where fresh-to-market material with compelling provenance has inspired buyers to bid enthusiastically far beyond the suggested auction estimates. By offering a combination of carefully curated individual collections together with a broad selection of material from a variety of owners, this auction will offer a diverse selection of historic Native American material at a wide variety of price points.” —
June 18, 2025
Native American Art
Bonhams, 7601 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
(323) 850-7500, www.bonhams.com
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