Just Added, Traders in Training Items

2009-07-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

McKale and Alyssa purchased this incredibly bright and thrilling weaving by Navajo artist Virginia Poyer-Begay. This rug will highlight anyone's living space. Adorned with sacred dancers, and bordered by the color of the vaulted heavens, this weaving is exciting to behold. It is an uncommon piece of art that reaches out and stimulates your visual senses. It feels good too!

This is Grange's newest purchase from Navajo Silversmiths Jack and Mary Tom. It is a Sterling Silver Necklace set with Natural Turquoise Mountain Turquoise and an arrowhead chain. The pendant itself is removable.

Items we have SOLD!

2009-01-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

Tarrik Tumeh

Tarrik is the son of Cindy and Amer Tumeh, and nephew to Susan, Craig, Barry and Steve. He is often spotted delivering oversized suitcases for guests of his parents at the Desert Rose Inn. Tarrik is outgoing, thoughtful and extremely polite; one of the most conscientious kids you will ever meet. This hard working young man also helps out at the cafe and trading post when he is not entertaining visitors at the lodge. A constant cousin-brother of Kira, Grange and all the rest of the Simpson kids, Tarrik is a treasured part of all of us here at Twin Rocks Trading Post.

McKale, Spenser and Alyssa Simpson

Navajo Ceremonial Basket with 3 Blood Rings by Betty Rock Johnson

McKale, Spenser and Alyssa with
Navajo Basket Weaver Peggy Black

Spenser with his Navajo Maze Basket by
Navajo Basket Weaver Chris Johnson

Spenser with Navajo Basket Weaver Peggy Black

Pauletta Deswudt and her daughter with her Navajo Rug

Navajo Folk Artist Matthew Yellowman and Spenser

Spenser was out in front of the trading post "picking up pennies" when Matthew Yellowman drove up. My son does not appreciate my sense of humor when it comes to making spending money. If Steve and I can't use the kids in the store, we send them outside to pull weeds and gather trash; thus the term "picking up pennies". Our children have grown to dislike the term as much as they dislike the job. So, when Matthew came into the store carrying a basket of his special brand of folk art, Spenser followed him in. At the time I was not sure whether my son was truly interested in the art or simply dodging his work load. As Matthew unveiled his sculpture, Spenser got caught up in the enthusiasm, creativity and artistry of this special artist and decided he wanted to invest in Matt's carving. Spenser was particularly interested in this Randy Rooster. Matthew spent a great deal more time and effort than normal on this splendid bird. The painting is very detailed and the spurs fully functional.

As Matthew thanked us for our support and left us standing at the counter, a thundershower sprang to life outside the front door. Spenser and I stood on the threshold watching the downpour. I clapped my son on the back and pointed out that a new crop of weeds would soon spring forth from the bountiful red earth; Spenser frowned at the prospect. I smiled at my boy and said, "Job security son, pennies from heaven!

McKale and Alyssa with Navajo Rug Weaver Rena Begay
Click here for the story on this purchase!

McKale and Alyssa with Navajo
Basket Weaver Lorraine Black

Alyssa with Navajo Basket Weavers
Kayla Black and Mary Holiday Black

Miss Alyssa, daughter of Barry and Laurie Simpson, re-enters the Traders in Training arena by purchasing a "Lifeways" basket from Miss Kayla Black; granddaughter of Mary Holiday Black. Both of these young people are emerging onto the Indian arts and crafts scene, and represent the future of business and creativity. Kayla came into Twin Rocks with her basket, attempting to raise money to subsidize a trip to Washington DC. Kayla, her grandmother Mary and aunts Lorraine and Sally Black have been invited to demonstrate their art for two weeks at the Museum of the American Indian. The Navajo ladies were raising spending money for the special occasion. Alyssa was only too happy to help, and receive a beautiful treasure from Kayla for her cash donation.

Kayla spent some time educating our young trader to the time and effort it takes to create such a basket. She spoke of gathering the willows, splitting and dying them and the intense concentration it takes to produce such a creation. Alyssa, in turn spoke to Kayla about babysitting, mowing lawns and how long and arduous the process of raising capital to afford this basket had been to her. Dad and grandma sat back and enjoyed the bartering process, hoping that a long term relationship as rewarding as we have enjoyed with Kayla's family would develop and endure between the young people.

After a price had been settled on, Alyssa asked Kayla about the meaning of the basket. Kayla smiled shyly and said her grandmother had told her to weave the images into her basket to bring luck and prosperity. Kayla explained that the rainbow center represented protection, and the ceremonial design stood for the Navajo universe. The dragonflies are life signs that represent water and a bountiful year. Altogether, the basket symbolizes a rich and fruitful life protected by the world of the Navajo. Kayla was sure the basket, and the proceeds from it, would help her on the trip and allow her to return safely. Alyssa was sure she wanted to invest in Kayla and her basket. All in all, it was a satisfying arrangement for both of them.

Handmade Sterling Silver
Link Chain Necklace by Tony Lee
Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Cylindrical
Box by Navajo Silversmith Jeffery Mutte

Spenser wearing a Hand Cut and
Hand Strung Damele Variscite
Necklace made by Santo Domingo
Silversmith Ray Lovato

Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Box
by Navajo Silversmith Jeffery Mutte

Handmade Sterling Silver Diamondback
Navajo Bracelet by Navajo Silversmith Jeffery Mutte

Grange and Kira Simpson

Zuni Earrings by Zuni Silversmith Myron Panteah

Turquoise and Sterling Silver Bolo Tie by
Navajo Silversmith Allison Snowhawk Lee

Kira and Navajo Jewelry Artist Allison Snowhawk Lee

Kira with an Old Style Ceremonial Basket
by Navajo Basket Weaver Fannie King

Kira and Navajo Basket Weaver Elsie Holiday

Kira and Navajo Basket Weaver Joann Johnson

Handmade Sterling Silver Naja Necklace by
Navajo Silversmith Allison Snowhawk Lee

Grange and Navajo Silversmith Allison Snowhawk Lee

Grange and Pueblo Pottery Artist Michael Kanteena

Navajo Rug Weaver Pauline Lee
with her Two Grey Hills Rug

Grange with Zuni Jewelry Artist Myron Panteah

Kira and Zuni Silversmith Myron Panteah

Sterling Silver Naja Necklace by
Navajo Jeweler Allison Snowhawk Lee

Kira and Navajo Silversmith John Yazzie

Grange and Navajo Basket Weaver Elsie Holiday

Grange and Navajo /Hopi Folk Artist Dennis Ross

Grange and Navajo Silversmith Allison Snowhawk Lee

Kira and Navajo Jewelry Artist John Yazzie

Kira and Southwestern Folk Artist Brian Weber

Handmade Navajo Turquoise Necklace by
Navajo Silversmith Allison Snowhawk Lee

Sterling Silver Zuni Pendant set with
Pietersite and accented with 14k Gold

Kira with an Old Chaco Canyon Design
Water Scoop by Pueblo Pottery
Artist Micheal Kanteena Pot

Sterling Silver Zuni Pin set with
Amethystine Agate and 14k Gold accents

Grange and his Navajo Chief Face Basket
made by Navajo Basket Weaver Elsie Holiday

Spenser Simpson

2008-03-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Spenser has sold all of his purchases, please check back soon...

Kira Simpson

2007-08-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

Kira and Zuni Silversmith Myron Panteah

Sterling Silver Zuni Earrings set with
Lace Agate and 14k Gold accents

14k Gold and Sterling Silver Zuni
Bracelet set with Obsidian

Kira and her Bear Paw Seed Pot
with Acoma Pueblo Pottery
Artist Wilford Garcia

McKale and Alyssa Simpson

2007-01-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

Yei-bi-chai Ceremony Basket made by
Navajo Basket Weaver Alicia Nelson

Grange Simpson

2006-06-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Grange with Zuni Silversmith Myron Panteah