Post by Charnell
Tourists getting an early start
Granted, the thousand or so Native artists displaying their magnificent wares had to be the BIG attraction at the Santa Fe Indian Market. (Truth be known, I was unable to resist some watercolors, jewelry, hand-blown glass sculptures, and a beautifully crafted bow and arrow set, so I chalked up my spending spree to shopping for Christmas presents.)
Skateboarding wakeup call for Charnell
But some special events sprinkled throughout the weekend also caught my attention. The first — and probably the most dramatic — was when I inadvertently walked behind a ramp the exact moment that a skateboarder took flight. I thought for sure I was a goner as a teenager flew up the ramp toward my head, then did a flip and returned (upright) to the center of the ring. What talent those kiddos have!
Talented young man after performing traditional dance
And what’s a gathering like this without a Native dance or two? This young man posed for me after completing a festive dance with his young brother. The little guy — about three years old – quickly scooted away from me, sucking his thumb and seeking his mama.
The big event, though, was the style show and I desperately wanted to photograph the models. However, the crowd was so dense I couldn’t even see the stage. Being both relentless and resourceful, I decided to photograph some models before or after they took the stage.
The designer makes sure the model, dress and hat are just right!
Here, designer Orlando Dugi (Navajo) puts the finishing touches on his model Jessica Perea whose dress and hat feature spectacular beadwork.
And after the style show, an award-winning little princess celebrates her success with a snow cone. Who could ask for anything more?!!
Reward for a job well done
All of the photos in this post are the property of Charnell Havens. Please ask if you would like to reproduce one.
You can see a TV Interview with Orlando Dugi, winner of a SWAIA fellowship and learn what he is going to do with the money he won. More about Native American fashion here.
To learn more about Pueblo Indian dance, check out the Pueblo Cultural Museum in Albuquerque.
See more of our thoughts about Indian Market–Geronima Montoya, Tahoma’s teacher; a visit to Ramos Sanchez; John King, influenced by Tahoma, and a variety of art.
And here is a slide of show of Navajo artists at the Market, including our friend John King.
No one person can see EVERYTHING at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Tell us what we missed. What was YOUR favorite event at Indian Market?
