Note: New Mexico has 19 Pueblos within its state boundaries. As sovereign lands, most areas of these Pueblos have culturally-based restrictions to honor the Native residents and their customs, as well as ensure their privacy and dignity. In many areas, these restrictions include prohibitions on photography, videography, and even the drawing or sketching of locations. Although these restrictions do not apply to public events in Santa Fe, in honor of the artistic and creative works displayed and sold by Indigenous artists, I refrained from close-up images of crafts at the Santa Fe Indian Market.
Since 1922, Santa Fe has hosted a gathering the celebrates and promotes Native arts, crafts, and culture. Originally conceived as the Southwest Indian Arts Fair and Industrial Arts and Crafts Exposition, this annual event has transformed into the Santa Fe Indian Market that is sponsored by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA).
Despite the "Southwestern" identification in the name, this event had grown into a global platform. What began as a small indoor exhibition sponsored by the Museum of New Mexico has expanded into the largest creative gathering of Indigenous artists on the planet.
This event now attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Santa Fe for a weekend of artistic displays, crafts for sale, juried events, and public performances. This gathering is the largest and oldest juried Native art market.
More than 1,000 artists and crafters participated in this event. They represented more than 200 Pueblos and Tribes throughout the United States and Canada.
The free open-air market that covered the downtown took place on August 16-17, 2025. The theme for 2025 was "Iconic Beginnings, Legacies in Motion." Other events filled a variety of venues throughout the area. These included a Best of Show Ceremony and Fashion Show.
A Diversity of Crafts
A variety of artisans and crafters congregated at the Santa Fe Indian Market. The artistic forms on display included basketry, beadwork, drawings, graphic arts, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, quillwork, sculpture, textiles, and wooden carvings.
In addition to the works available for inspection and purchase, those who visited the Indian Market had an opportunity to see many of the artisans in their regalia.
Protecting Artistic Integrity
Drums have ceremonial significance in many Indigenous communities. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Within the U.S. Department of the Interior the Indian Arts & Crafts Board serves as the governing body that helps ensure that arts and crafts advertised as "Indian made" are indeed created by Indigenous people. This body maintains a source directory of artisans and assists with enforcement efforts under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990.
Under this federal law, items are carefully designated based upon the individuals who created them. Maintaining "truth-in-advertising" is very important to avoid criminal penalties. This law permits other people to create Native-inspired works, but they cannot be labeled as Indigenous works if exhibited, shared, or sold.
For example, a Native instructor can teach a non-Indigenous person to create a work of pottery. Even if this Native-inspired work perfectly resembles a traditional piece, it cannot legally be considered as "Indian made."
In another example, a member of a federally-recognized Tribe or Pueblo may use non-traditional materials (such as commercially created glass beads) or employ newer techniques (such as digital photography) to create their works. In these cases, even if the materials or techniques are not traditional, they remain "Indian made" based upon the status of the creator.
Another sign of authenticity that many guests appreciated at the Santa Fe Indian Fair came in the form of the numerous food vendors lined along Sheridan Avenue, adjacent to the New Mexico Museum of Art. Fry bread, Indian tacos, green chile stew, and other New Mexican-themed Native dishes were sold by members of nearby Pueblos.
Proud Performances
In addition to visiting with the vendors, guests at the Santa Fe Indian Market enjoyed a variety of performances. These included Native dances at all four corners of the Plaza, as well as at other intersections in downtown Santa Fe. The permanent stage within the Plaza also had a variety of performances throughout the day.
Sacred Spaces, Shared Spaces
Since the arrival of the first Spanish to the region more than 400 years ago, a complex social structure has developed between the Indigenous populations, Nuevomexicanos, and later settlers. By the time of statehood in 1912, residents of many Pueblos had adapted written languages and participated in some levels of integration. However, some Native peoples continue to embrace strong traditional roots, including an oral language without written words.
In addition to English and Spanish, many Native languages could be heard at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Pueblos throughout New Mexico strongly encourage children to learn ancestral languages.
Cultural exchange went in all directions. Spaniards who settled in this once isolated area developed a New Mexican Spanish that incorporated words and dialects borrowed from the Pueblos. Art forms also incorporated elements of settlers of ancetral Pueblos as well as later arrivals.
One of the most sacred spaces in New Mexico is the covered southern side of the Palace of the Governors. This adobe structure and its antecedents first served as the seat of government for Nuevo Mexico in the early 1600s.
Throughout the year, rain or shine, sun or snow, Indigenous artists display and sell jewelry and other crafts at this location. Located immediately north of the Plaza, the Palace of the Governors hosted vendors during the Santa Fe Indian Market at a familiar location.
In 1867, an obelisk was erected in the heart of the Santa Fe Plaza. Known as the Soldiers' Monument, this structure celebrated American victory in the U.S. Civil War. A territory of the United States since 1848, New Mexico experienced some skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces during the early 1860s.
The obelisk no longer sits atop the square base (plinth). The panel on the north side of the plinth, the one facing the stage and the Palace of the Governors, has been damaged on numerous occasions due to the strongly racist message placed upon it in the late 1860s.
At one time, this panel expressed dedication "TO THE HEROES WHO HAVE FALLEN IN THE VARIOUS BATTLES WITH SAVAGE INDIANS IN THE TERRITORY OF NEW MEXICO." Throughout the year, Native performers and musicians gather at this spot to reclaim this space and share their cultural treasures and talents.
An Experience to Enjoy
The outdoor Santa Fe Indian Market is a great way to experience Indigenous crafts and enjoy a summertime day in one of America's most beautiful cities. No admission is charged to visit the market. To add value, both the New Mexico Museum of Art and New Mexico History Museum offered free admission.
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