The Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show returns to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for another superb event, boasting thousands of historic and contemporary art and objects by 130 exhibitors. In addition, attendees can expect to find two special exhibitions with a focus on textiles and Hopi katsina carvings.
Hopi katsina carvings from 1890 to the 1970s. Left to Right: 1890s Sa’lako cradle katsina, 1910 Koona or Chipmunk, large carving by Wilson Tawaquaptewa, Ma’lo by Otto Pentewa, Hoot’e by Jimmie Kewanwytewa, gesticulating Hehey’a by Jimmie Koots. Courtesy of Buffalo Barry’s Indian Art.
The mission of the event is a simple one: “To share and promote Native American art from the United States and Canada, and ethnographic material from around the world,” says Kim Martindale, show owner and producer. “The show highlights work from the very best artists throughout history, and from so many different cultures. Both historic and contemporary work will be in the same room, allowing visitors can see the influences of this material throughout time—something I get really excited about exposing people to.”
Many fine and high-quality artworks are offered at this year’s show, including textiles, pottery, basketry, beadwork, woodcarving and more. Martindale notes that Whitehawk is known for offering some the best historic Native American jewelry, including concho belts, bracelets, turquoise rings and earrings, and squash blossom necklaces. As for Native American textiles, there will be options for Germantown and chief’s blankets, Two Grey Hills and other select regional weavings.
Jicarilla Apache Moccasins, late 19th century, 10 in. Courtesy of Toby Herbst
Intermixed with the many exhibitors, are two special exhibitions, each focusing on a specific medium. The Living Tradition of Chimayó Weaving—curated by Jana Gottshalk, curator and director of the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum—presents 20 important weaving examples from the museum’s vault. The Spirit Beings in Wood: The Vibrant Tradition of Hopi Katsina Carvings, 1880 to Present, curated by Barry Walsh, owner of Buffalo Barry’s Indian Art, presents carvings from 1880 to the present with an emphasis on notable carvers such as Wilson Tawaquaptewa, Otto Pentewa, Jimmie Kewanwytewa, Jimmie Koots, the Honyouti family and many more.
Mark Chee (Navajo (Diné)), 1914-1981), cuff, silver, 51/8 x 5/8 in., size 6¼, signed with Chee logo. Courtesy of Victoria Roberts of Indian Lodge Road
“Distinctive stylistic changes over the decades will be shown including the phases of the early Putsqatithu or Cradle katsinam, early traditional, early action, late action, ultra-realistic and sculptural, a return to traditional, traditional/realism and beyond,” shares Walsh. “Examples of Hopi katsina anomalies will also be exhibited including Hisat katsinam (those who no longer appear), very small and very large katsinam, carvings by women, Route 66 curio dolls, katsinam-on-strings, and katsinam involving unusual materials such as glass, fabric, unusual woods and silver.”
Navajo/Diné Mother Earth Father Sky Textile, 20th century. Courtesy of Toadlena Trading Post.
Don’t miss out on additional masterworks like Waiting for the Dancers, a historic painting by Oscar E. Berninghaus (1874-1952), known for his Native American subject matter, presented by Robert L. Parsons Fine Art; a mid-19th century bandolier bag offered by Thomas Cleary; a Mark Chee (Navajo (Diné), 1914-1981) polished silver cuff on offer from Victoria Roberts of Indian Lodge Road; Mother Earth Father Sky Textile a 20th-century Navajo pictorial rug presented by Toadlena Trading Post; a rare Bearded Mask used in deer dances and Easter ceremonies, and 19th century Jicarilla Apache moccasins offered by Toby Herbst.
Whitehawk, presented at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, will open on August 8 with its preview opening (benefitting SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market) from 6 to 9 p.m. Festivities will close August 11. Tickets and detailed information can be found on the event website. —
August 8-11, 2025
Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
201 W. Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.whitehawkshows.com
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