Maxwell Museum to hold its annual Navajo rug auction fund-raiser

Every Navajo rug is a unique piece that starts with raising the sheep and goats, which are then shorn and the wool carded, spun, dyed, and finally woven, all by hand, into a rug using traditional, contemporary, and historic themes. Rugs are not just pieces of home décor but rather works of textile art highly prized by collectors that can fetch huge sums when sold.

The University of New Mexico's Maxwell Museum of Anthropology will hold its 15th annual Navajo rug auction fund-raiser. The rug auction is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the Maxwell Museum and R.B. Burnham & Company of Arizona. The Burnhams have been trading with Diné (Navajo) and Pueblo artists for five generations.

The rug auction is Maxwell's largest fund-raiser of the year and provides critical support for public programs and other museum efforts. More than 250 rugs of many shapes, colors and sizes and other handmade items will be available this year.

The weekend of events starts Friday, Nov. 15, with a Native American jewelry appraisal and sale at the Maxwell. The $10 per item fee (cash or check, only) for an appraisal directly benefits the Maxwell. Appraisals are first-come first-served and are limited to five items to allow for all guests to get their items appraised. Virginia Burnham will also feature her Native American jewelry trunk sale.

If you don't have any items but are still interested in Native history, art, jewelry, and rugs, come by, listen, and learn Antiques Roadshow style.

The event will conclude at Prairie Star Restaurant with the rug auction Saturday, Nov. 16. Registration is encouraged.

The Saturday event begins with a viewing from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The auction will start at 1 p.m. Whether you are a collector or just interested in learning about Navajo weaving and acquiring your first weaving or other Native artwork, the auction offers a great opportunity to view a variety of styles. It is fast moving, fun, and exciting. Browse, bid, and take home a unique handmade textile. Weavers received 80 percent of the final bid price, while the Maxwell Museum receives the 10 percent buyer's premium.

The auction is on Santa Ana land. Purchases are, therefore, not subject to sales tax. Visit the Maxwell website to find out more.