I've always been interested in Native-American culture. Could you tell me more about collecting Native-American art? WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS 'Very early material in the American-Indian art field would include examples of prehistoric pottery,' says Delia Sullivan, the specialist head of sale of American Indian art at Christie's. The auction house's sale on January 12 focuses on American-Indian art. 'We are offering a number of Anasazi pots - large ollas,' Sullivan says. 'We also have Hawikuh pottery from the early 1600s - this culture preceded the Zuni culture from the Southwest United States.' Sullivan says collectable pieces are still being made. 'There is a vibrant market for contemporary American-Indian art,' she adds. IN MY TRIBE Many different Native-American cultures produced unique works, Sullivan says. 'The southwestern cultures produced baskets, pottery, blankets and rugs, kachina dolls, and silver and turquoise jewellery. The Plains Indians made things of hide and decorated them with porcupine quills, and later, small glass beads,' she says. 'The Northwest Coast peoples carved things out of wood, like feast bowls and knife handles. These items are imbued with spiritual meaning.' Sullivan says works by all tribes are collectable for different reasons. 'Southeastern beadwork and northeastern quillwork are rare, so those types command high prices,' she says. Some of the more contemporary artists, such as Hopi jeweller Charles Loloma, and Santa Clara potter Margaret Tafoya, have produced sought-after works, Sullivan says. 'In the January auction, we will be offering a belt buckle by Charles Loloma and four large pots by Margaret Tafoya,' she says. 'Both of these artists have signed their work. However, another famous potter, Nampeyo, did not sign her work - a pot in our auction will sell for a high price, as her work is recognisable.' The new artists are quite innovative, put a modern spin on earlier work and command high prices, Sullivan says. TIPS FOR NEW COLLECTORS Sullivan says new collectors should look for 'beauty, rarity, provenance and good condition'. What should collectors avoid? 'Things made for tourists,' she says. 'Things in terrible condition. Things mass-produced.' Sullivan says a buyer should expect to spend between $7,800 and $46,800 on a collectable American-Indian piece. RESOURCES Books (Amazon.com): Masterpieces of American Indian Art: From the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection, by Gilbert Vincent et al ($140). Navajo Textiles: The William Randolph Hearst Collection, by Nancy Blomberg ($182). Indian Baskets, (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Sarah Turnbaugh and William Turnbaugh ($234). Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery, by Rick Dillingham ($205). Hopi Kachina Dolls: With a Key to Their Identification, by Harold Colton ($132). Museums: Denver Art Museum ( www.denverartmuseum.org ) American Museum of Natural History, The Smithsonian Institution ( www.americanhistory.si.edu ) The Peabody Essex Museum ( www.pem.org ) Auction: Impressive Single Owner Collection of American Indian art at Christie's New York, 12 January. ( www.Christies.com , tel: 2521 5396). Send questions about collectables to sofiasuarez@yahoo.com
