Native American artists, such as Michael Kanteena, a Luguna potter, have showcased their artistic creations over the years at the annual Indian Market event, scheduled this year for Dec. 14-15 (submitted photo).
The 47th Annual S’edav Va’aki Museum Indian Market (formerly known as Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market) takes place Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4619 E. Washington St. in Phoenix. The Indian Market features more than 100 Native American artists vending fine art, crafts and cultural items, as well as main stage performances, cultural demonstrator area and food sales.
Main stage entertainment includes hoop dancing, Native American flute, a Tohono O’odham Waila Band, traditional dance and solo guitar. The cultural demonstrators in the Ki:him (O’odham word for village) area provide hands-on learning in hoop dancing, beading, gourd art, shell etching, mask making, basket makers, weavers and other activities suitable for all ages.
Martha Ludlow-Martinez, a singer and storyteller from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, is the main stage emcee. At the event, guests can enjoy popular Native American foods including fry bread, Navajo tacos and vegan selections from many local vendors.
Entrance to the museum is included in admission so guests can explore the rich history of the archaeological site where ancestors of the O’Odham people built a thriving community. Prominent on the site is the va’aki, a large adobe structure that is the only one still standing and managed by City of Phoenix Arts and Culture. This year, attendees will be able to see the newly renovated Community and Connections galleries, where they will find original artwork and stories from contemporary O’Odham, and “Following Their Roots,” a new exhibit that explores Indigenous agricultural practices throughout Arizona.
All items sold at the Indian Market comply with The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) of 1990 and are authentic and handmade.
Admission is $10 per person for ages 13 and up; $5 for Tribal Members, active and retired military personnel, and both police and fire personnel. Admission is free for children 12 and under and S’edav Va’aki Museum Foundation members.
For additional information, visit www.phoenix.gov/svmuseum.
