Auction showcases authentic handmade Native American collectibles

Ron Chase of Nevada Public Auction is inviting all collectors and devotees of Native American artwork, pottery and jewelry to his auction house Saturday for what he described as a treasure trove of handmade goods and collectibles.

The auction recently added more than 200 pieces of Native American works from the likes of artists Mata Ortiz, Gloria Yellowhorse, Rosco Willie and other assorted Pueblo Acoma and Jemez pieces.

Ezra Brooks liquor bottles are also part of the lot.

Those interested in previewing the items may do so today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"This is the largest Native American art and jewelry collection that we have ever seen," he said. "We had one consigner give us a call because she's downsizing a little bit. There is pottery, a peace pipe and beaded sandals. She had about 98 pieces that she gave us which was worth about $25,000. There's also a couple of Navajo rugs and they're just gorgeous."

Chase also made sure to mention all of the artwork and jewelry is authentic.

"This is not machine made," he said. "These are items that were taught from generation to generation among Native Americans. I was truly amazed when I first saw these items. I was blown away by this stuff, but what she kept, we will hopefully have someday because it was completely stunning. She kept these in museum-quality condition in her house. It was just a lifetime of collecting over the years."

The auction is simulcast on the internet, where people can bid from anywhere in the world.

Chase said he urges people to come by his business to preview the items in person, if possible.

"These items are sought out by collectors and are highly collectible," he said. "We have a genuine bone breastplate by artist Gloria Yellowhorse from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. It is actually an amazing piece of artwork. We've got a Model-A or Model-T Ford hood. It's just an absolutely completely amazing collection of stuff, and a lot of vintage Americana."

Among the items are various pieces of mining equipment.

Chase said many of the items were gathered from mines in California and Nevada, including rocks, arrowheads and gold panning equipment.

"Another customer brought in a bunch of mining equipment that he collected himself," he said. "If you look at it, the condition is just amazing. We have two miners lamps that go back probably to the 30's or 40's and they are in excellent condition. We had another local resident offer up a stereoscope collection, with cards. There are few Viewmasters and 3D stereoscopes as well as electronic stereoscopes."

Tomorrow's auction begins at 10 a.m., with a 9 a.m. preview.

To participate online, log on to www.auctionnv.com. Nevada Public Auction is located at 800 Margaret Street. For additional information call 775-751-4867.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com