How did you get into collecting Historical Native Art?

Great question!  I grew up in Denver and my uncle was a picker of antiques, focused on Southwest Art during the 1960’s through the 90’s.  He traveled around the West, Monday through Friday visiting Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and the Dakotas each week, trading, buying and selling everything from saddles to gold and silver.  My family would have dinner at his house on the weekends upon his return.  I was surrounded by Navajo rugs, katchina dolls, turquoise jewelry, plains bead work and historic photos.  When I went away to college at the University of the Pacific, School of Business in California I became acquainted with the works of Edward S. Curtis, a photographer who wanted to capture the legacy of the indigenous tribes before their stories and way of life disappeared.  I began to collect at age 18 and have been working on my collection every since.  Once I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I could dedicate my time to the study, teaching, collecting and dealing of the material I am so passionate about!  

Do YOU have a question for me?  Please post it to Instagram, or email me at Don@chipetatrading.com