Traditional Arts Exhibits at State Monuments

Bosque Redondo Monument Exhibit: Two master Navajo weavers from the Toadlena region of the Navajo Reservation and one Mescalero Apache basketmaker presented demonstrations at the Bosque Redondo Monument, where both tribes were imprisoned by the U.S. Army during the late 19th century. An exhibit of priceless Navajo weavings, including a piece actually woven at Bosque Redondo during the internment, was donated by the Toadlena Trading Post and Museum collection.

Coronado Monument Exhibit: This exhibit of Pueblo pottery was mounted in collaboration with the nearby pueblos of Zia and Santa Ana. Two Zia and two Santa Ana Pueblo potters demonstrated pottery making. Pottery for the exhibit was provided by individual members of Santa Ana Pueblo and the Zia Pueblo Museum and Cultural Center. Two pottery firing demonstrations, one below ground and one above, were held in collaboration with the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies.

Jémez Monument Exhibit: Jémez Monument commemorates the Catholic Franciscan Mission of San José de los Jémez, built in 1621 on the site of the ancient pueblo of the original people of the Jémez valley. This exhibit featured Hispanic New Mexican devotional arts of bultos (carved wooden statues of saints), retablos (two dimensional representations of saints), and straw applique crosses. Though not necessarily a devotional art form, tinwork was also featured. A master tinworker and a master straw artist demonstrated their art forms.

Lincoln Monument Exhibit: Known primarily for Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Wars, Lincoln sits in the heart of the New Mexico ranching community and this demonstration/exhibit featured the arts of the American cowboy. A master saddlemaker, a master bootmaker, and a master silver engraver demonstrated their skills. An exhibit of saddles, boots, spurs, and bits was mounted with help from the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum.