Traders rely on long-established trusting business relationships with the local Native Americans. This trust is often established over generations in the trading business. Traders know the families and value their business. They deal in authentic Indian objects of art, jewelry, rugs and pottery and can provide certificates of authenticity for these items. They know the origin, meaning they know the families who made them. Dealing with a well-known trader means that you are purchasing a Native American item only one step removed from the person who made the item.
In order to understand the art and craft items and the trading process, it would be helpful to first visit a historic trading post such as The Hubbell Trading Post,which is still active and is part of the National Park Service. Toadlina Trading Post, also near Gallup, has a weaving museum that will help orient you to Native American rugs.
“Real” trading posts deal in local jewelry, rugs, pottery and art and are not a place to find souvenirs made in other countries. Ask for certificates of authenticity and inquire if the items are “Indian made,” which family or artisan made the item and where they live. You should be able to get that information from the trader. “Real” trading posts conduct ongoing business with local Native Americans. Beware that many souvenir shops use the term “Trading Post.” There is a real difference between them.
When you shop at trading posts, take your time, learn about the local art, weaving and jewelry making. Research the prices. If you don’t have that much time, ask a lot of questions. Most long-standing trading posts have very knowledgeable staffmembers. On a recent trip to Gallup, my friend, who had studied up on Navajo rugs, began asking to go to the “rug room.” In each case, she was led behind the counter to a special place where hand made Navajo rugs were displayed. A sales person stayed in the room, answering all her questions and offering information on the rugs she liked. We noticed that each rug had a certificate of authenticity listing the name of the weaver and the weaver’s location. Many also included a photograph of the weaver with the actual rug.
My friend ended up buying a rug at Perry Null’s Trading Post. She felt the prices in Gallup were very reasonable, especially when compared with the prices in Santa Fe. Trading Posts also offered 50% and more off the marked prices on the rugs. She is very pleased with the quality of the rug and the information on the rug’s origin.
When You Go
Here are some suggestions for Trading Posts to visit on your next trip to the Gallup, New Mexico area.
- Hubbell Trading Post – Ganado, New Mexico Map and Directions
- Friends of Hubbell Trading Post – Website
- Toadlina Trading Post – Between Gallup and Shiprock, New Mexico Map and Directions
- Richardson’s Trading Post – Downtown Gallup, New Mexico Website
- Perry Null Trading Post – Central Gallup, New Mexico Website Or Alternate Website
- Shush Yaz Trading Post – Shush YAZ Trading Company 1304 West Lincoln Avenue, Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-0130 and Santa Fe, New Mexico Store Website
