Collecting American Indian art and jewelry is a meaningful, personal journey. Each piece tells a story—of heritage, creativity, and cultural endurance. Whether you’re wearing a finely inlaid bracelet or hanging a powerful painting in your home, these works connect us to traditions that are both timeless and evolving.
At Faust Gallery, we believe that great collections are born from emotional connection and curiosity. Let your heart guide you toward pieces that bring beauty, spirit, and inspiration into your life.
1. Collect What Speaks to You
Let your instincts and emotions lead the way. Whether it’s the texture of tufa-cast silver, the vibrant colors of hand-cut stones, or the quiet power of a painted figure—choose pieces that resonate with you. When you collect what you love, your collection becomes a reflection of your story.
2. Learn About the Culture and Artists
American Indian art is deeply rooted in history, ceremony, and community. Exploring the cultural significance behind the designs—like a Navajo Yei figure or Hopi Kachina—adds depth to your appreciation. Many artists continue family traditions while creating something entirely their own. Learning their stories brings the work to life.
3. Value the Craftsmanship
Behind every piece is a process. From hand-fabricated silverwork to microscopic stone inlay, Native artists master techniques that can take years to refine. Understanding the skill involved helps you see each piece not just as adornment, but as wearable or displayable art.
4. Ask Questions and Stay Curious
The deeper your understanding of Native art, the more meaningful each piece becomes. Every work reflects a distinct tribal tradition, personal vision, and historical context. For example, a Hopi overlay bracelet may represent ancient migration stories, while Navajo weaving could express harmony with nature through sacred geometry and patterns.
Take time to explore the background of the artists whose work resonates with you—many come from long lines of silversmiths, potters, or carvers, while others are innovators forging new paths within their traditions. Learning about their processes, influences, and symbolism not only enhances your appreciation but also builds a respectful relationship with the culture.
At Faust Gallery, we strive to share the cultural significance behind each piece we represent. Whether it’s explaining the meaning of a Yei figure, identifying a rare turquoise mine, or highlighting a family hallmark, we believe education is central to collecting with intention and respect.
5. Support Both Legacy and Future Voices
A powerful collection isn’t built on big names alone—it’s built on intention, craftsmanship, and connection. While museum-quality works by iconic artists hold undeniable significance, collecting emerging and mid-career artists is just as meaningful. Many of today’s young Native jewelers, painters, and carvers are pushing boundaries while staying rooted in tradition. Their work reflects the present moment in Indigenous art and often carries the same level of mastery, innovation, and heart.
Look for pieces that are well-made, thoughtfully designed, and rich in cultural or personal symbolism—whether by a recognized master or a rising voice. The value of a collection lies in the quality of the work and the story it tells, not just the signature it bears.
6. Live with Your Art
Don’t hide it away—let your collection become part of your daily life. Wear the jewelry. Display the sculpture. Let the artwork surround you. The joy of collecting is not just in owning—it’s in living with pieces that bring beauty, meaning, and connection to your world.
7. Enjoy the Journey
There’s no rush. Let your collection grow naturally as you explore, learn, and evolve. Whether you’re drawn to bold contemporary designs or historic pieces rich in symbolism, the best collections reflect the collector’s spirit over time.
Faust Gallery | Scottsdale & Santa Fe
Faust Gallery is proud to represent a wide range of Native American artists—past and present—whose work embodies both technical excellence and cultural significance. We invite you to explore our collection in person or online and find the pieces that speak to you.
Scottsdale, AZ | Santa Fe, NM
bill@faustgallery.com | 480-200-4290
faustgallery.com | @faustgallery