1920s The first Indian Market, called the annual
Southwest Indian Fair and Industrial Arts and Crafts Exhibition, was part of
Fiesta de Santa Fe sponsored by the
Museum of New Mexico.
Kenneth M. Chapman credits art advocate
Rose Dougan (life partner of
Vera von Blumenthal) for first suggesting the idea of a competitive
Native American art fair in 1922 as part of an expanded
Santa Fe Fiesta.
Edgar L. Hewett, director of the Museum of New Mexico, viewed the early Indian Fair events as part of his efforts for public anthropology. The events were held inside the National Guard Armory with an admission fee charged.
Pueblo pottery,
Navajo textiles, and Pueblo Flatstyle paintings, such as produced by artists at the
Studio and the
Santa Fe Indian School, were the primary art forms represented; however, the first place award for best tribal display went to beadwork from
Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana. Initially, museum staff and later Native artists and educators served as judges, screening work and awarding prizes. Potters themselves were not present for the sale of their works. These early markets were intended to counteract museum and anthropological professionals’ concerns that tourist curio market's demand for pottery was reducing the quality and authenticity of Pueblo pottery.
1930s In 1936, the New Mexico Association on Indian Affairs took over the event. Between 1933 and 1936, events were held at multiple pueblos, rather than in Santa Fe.
Maria Chabot returned events to Santa Fe and the NMAIA organized transportation for artists and attached "labels of approval" to the works they believed represented the best works. The market took place in a hybrid format in 2021, with in-person and virtual events. Only 600 artists were accepted for in-person booths. The remaining 500 artists juried into the market waitlisted and offered opportunities to participate virtually. Santa Fe Indian Market returned to fully in-person operation in August 2022. == SWAIA leadership ==