MESA, Ariz. – A fully-beaded Cree-made Native American Hopi vest with traditional floral motif and a rare and fine weave Navajo woman’s Manta” robe made from Germantown wool in the 1890s, are expected headliners at this year’s Big Spring Phoenix auction, planned for March 12-13 by Allard Auctions.
This year’s auction will feature 750 lots of Native American and Western artifacts, artworks and related collectibles. Lots 1-450 will come up for bid on Saturday, March 12, (starting at noon Mountain time); lots 501-800 on Sunday, March 13, starting at 10 a.m.
Absentee and Internet live bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com.
“Big Spring Phoenix will be packed this year with a famous collection out of Santa Fe, a great collection of Anasazi pottery, a private collection of Zuni bolo ties and concho belts, a private kachina doll collection, and fine California, Southwest and Northwest Coast baskets,” said Steve Allard of Allard Auctions Inc., based on the Flathead Indian Reservation in St. Ignatius, Mont.
The circa-1900 Cree-made vest comes with an extensive provenance. It was given to, and worn by, the famous Hopi, “Judge Hooker” Hongeva, who was chief and mayor of Sichimovi in 1902. The vest could predate that. All three items in the lot – the vest, quirt and sword – are in very good condition. The group is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.
The fine weave woman’s Navajo “Manta” robe of piled Germantown wool on aniline dyed wefts is a unique example, done in a classic pattern. It is in very good condition with a nice tight weave and excellent, vibrant colors. It was last purchased in 1989 for $9,500 and was appraised in the 1990s for $12,500. Measuring 58 inches by 45 inches, the robe (below) should also hit $10,000-$20,000.
A circa 1980s White Buffalo lidded sterling jar with fine etched designs, 8 1/2 inches in height and boasting a solid 18K gold bear on the lid, is expected to hammer for $5,000-$10,000. The museum-quality and highly collectible jar (below), handcrafted by Mike Perez, is in very good condition. Its etched designs include a turquoise and coral raised inlay Avanyu serpent and lid decorations.
Two huge Anasazi pottery jars are expected to attract bidder interest. One is a globular small-necked black-on-white Tularosa water jar with detailed fine line and lightning bolt designs, 16 inches tall (est. $5,500-$11,000). The other is a classic thin-walled globular Tularosa water jar with fine line, diamond and bold, hooked element designs, 12 inches tall (est. $4,000-$8,000).
For details contact Allard Auctions Inc. at 406-745-0500 or toll-free at 888-314-0343 or send them an email at info@allardauctions.com.
