Maria Martinez, the Mother of San Ildefonso Pottery
Creating pottery is an ancient pueblo art. Shards of pottery have been found in the ruins of the dwellings of the Anasazi, thought to be the ancestors of today’s Pueblo Peoples. But pottery as an art form hasn’t always been the same. In fact, the thousand-year-old... Read more
Mata Ortiz Pottery
At Palms Trading Company, we are proud to provide a collection that includes hand-made Native American Indian arts and crafts. However, we also carry another type of hand-made pottery: Mata Ortiz. What is Mata Ortiz Pottery? Mata Ortiz pottery is modern,... Read more
Meaning and History behind Zuni Fetishes
The Zuni people are a Pueblo tribe which have historically been situated in the Zuni River valley in what is now Western New Mexico. The tribe has occupied this territory for thousands of years and is widely known for their farming and irrigation practices. They are... Read more
Men’s Jewelry Guide: Turquoise Bracelets and Jewelry
How to Style Turquoise Jewelry for Men? Turquoise is a beautiful, bright blue stone that has been used in jewelry for centuries. It is most commonly found in the southwestern United States and has become known as a “Southwestern gentleman’s stone.”... Read more
Men’s Turquoise Bracelets–A Gift Guide
Look no further than a men’s turquoise bracelet if you’re looking for a stylish and versatile piece of jewelry that is perfect for every occasion. These beautiful accessories are crafted from high-quality turquoise stones set in sterling silver settings,... Read more
Mining and Classifying Turquoise
Although many stones are used in Native American Indian jewelry, one of the most used and recognized is turquoise. The gem, which is “a hydrous phosphate of aluminum, containing copper, iron and other minerals,” ranges in color from bright green to blue-tinted, the... Read more
Native American Bracelets: The Art of Evolution
Almost every North American native tribe has used their influences to design unique and meaningful bracelets. The Navajo are no exception. What may be surprising are the influences that incoming tourists and settlers had on the innovations of Native American bracelet... Read more
Native American Engagement Rings
When it comes to engagement rings, you want a piece that is beautiful, durable, and maybe even something that comes with a unique background and history. While it might seem for many to be a surprising choice, there are a lot of reasons why Native American rings make... Read moreNative American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. As one of the Southwest’s premier traders of Native American Indian art, we think it’s important to look at why we should and how we can honor and preserve the cultures and traditions of our country’s Native peoples. A Month... Read moreNative American Indian Baskets of the Southwest
Native American Indian Art of all kinds often represents so much more than an item of monetary value. In fact, the value of much of the work of the Native Americans of the southwest runs far deeper than that. In her book Indian Baskets of the Southwest, Clara Lee... Read more