Another event at the Autry museum, a combination sale, and show.
I went, I viewed, I’m a little underwhelmed.
There were plenty of people around, which was nice. There were performances and food. There was also a large vendor hall.
I love Navajo weaving, there were nice examples, but nothing exceptional.
It’s nice to see the kind of loom that is used. This style of weaving is called tapestry weaving, each color is worked individually.
Native tribes wove baskets from local grasses. With the arrival of the Spanish in the southwest, sheep and wool were introduced. The Navajo adapted very well and started weaving blankets. These became very desirable items.
Another western textile, the quilt and specifically the Lone Star pattern became very closely associated with Indian quilts.
Cultural influences – learning from one another. 
Here we arrive at the present day cultural sharing. Yoda as a local shaman?
If you haven’t figured out, I hate the term cultural appropriation. What I like is that we can learn from one another and share ideas, techniques and art styles. I’m over the idea that the White man is evil, but if another culture takes over an artform -then it suddenly is valid. Or even if a neighborhood gets renamed because a new non while Culture moves in. Korea Town is the perfect example. It was Mid Wilshire for years. I love that it has become Korea Town, but I also have no problem with gentrification, if white people want to move back to the old neighborhoods they built many years ago, such as Boyle Heights.
Same thing goes for art, The Navajo didn’t invent weaving or quilting, but they use it to their advantage. I love it, it’s beautiful, but it doesn’t negate the fact that white people invented and shared their knowledge. I love a Texas Lone Star alongside and Indian Star. I’d rather see more sharing and less bifurcating into smaller groups.
It was nice to see many vendors, I hope they grow and succeed. But the quality here was OK, I didn’t see great examples of pottery, or weaving. I didn’t even take pictures of the many jewelry booths. There were a few original jewelers. Most simply had the exact same rings, earrings, and necklaces. Are they being made locally? I don’t know, I do know that I have seen much better work in the tourist stores throughout Arizona.
Which leads me to believe that although this is marketed as Southern California’s largest Native American Arts Fair, it isn’t attracting the real talent. They must have much better places to sell their artwork. If this is a stepping stone for artists, the first stop on their way to much better locations. So be it. I just know that there are incredible native artists making unbelievable artwork. Nothing wrong with a two day fair that is open to other artists. Maybe being the biggest doesn’t mean being the best.
Ahh! People watching, loved this outfit!
There were dancing and music as well. All in all, a worthwhile festival. I’m glad the Autry has this yearly event. Though for me, it was a one time visit. That is ok, there is so much to do and see, I’ll find other events. I do have to say, when the Autry puts on an exhibit of Indian art, be it baskets, beading or weaving – they showcase exquisite work.
Leah