Scout the Trading Posts in Gallup, N.M.
For Native American Jewelry, Pottery, and Navajo Rugs
Nov 11, 2008
The trading posts in Gallup, New Mexico remain much as they were a hundred years ago. The old U.S. Route 66 still runs through town and the numerous pawn shops still offer colorful wares made by talented Native American artists. Some of the pieces are vintage – turquoise squash blossom necklaces, silver belt buckles, bolero ties and antique Navajo rugs. But the shelves and display cases are filled with bracelets, necklaces and earrings hand crafted from sterling silver with turquoise, coral and inlaid stones in contemporary jewelry styles. The town, 230 miles from Phoenix and 140 miles from Albuquerque, makes a convenient stopover on a Southwest, U.S. driving trip.
What to Look For
Richardson’s Trading Co., found at www.richardsontrading.com, is one of the largest trading posts and continues to add to a collection of Native American pieces that began in 1913. Each room in the store holds a different type of Indian art. Piles of sterling silver turquoise jewelry, now classified as “dead pawn” because the owner never returned, sits in massive display cases. The shop has an entire room filled with Navajo rugs, ask the owner for an escort to see them. Horsehair pottery, red clay Jemez Pueblo pottery with engraved designs, glazed Hopi pottery featuring red and black geometric patterns and Navajo and other tribal ceramics fill a room. The separate art gallery holds prime sculptures, paintings and beadwork that highlight the best Southwestern art.
Along Gallup’s Route 66, other trading posts and a Native American Cooperative market offer handmade art from a variety of local craftsmen. Prices vary depending on the quality and materials used in the designs. Another fascinating slice of this active trading center takes place at the jewelry supply warehouses, open to the public, just outside of town.
Places to Stay
The most interesting and historic hotel in town is the El Rancho Hotel shown in detail at www.elranchohotel.com. The former Western movie site gives guests a feeling of the Old West with a hacienda style of architecture. The wood beamed lobby and ranch decorated rooms feel like authentic early New Mexican heritage.
Plenty of moderate motels line both sides of Highway 40. The city grew when the railroad was built and the trains continually run through the night (earplugs are a traveler’s friend).
Shop While you Eat
Another local tradition that started in the 1940’s is Earl’s Family Restaurant (1400 E. Historic Hwy. 66). The policy here is to allow Native American craftsmen to sell their art while the patrons are dining. Vendors of all ages from small children to elderly woman pass by the tables with trays of silver necklaces, beaded bracelets and silver and turquoise earrings. A simple “no thank you” is sufficient, hustling and pushy sales is not tolerated by the proprietors. The traders also offer their products outside the door of the restaurant.
Life in Gallup, New Mexico revolves primarily around the business of trading Native American works of art. Unique Southwestern handicrafts abound in the rows of trading posts that still remain an active center of commerce for the New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado tribes.
