Barry Simpson from Twin Rocks Trading Post describes this rare Bisbee Turquoise Bracelet.
Listen, it is quite a gem, in more ways than one.
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United States
The Navajo Sacred Basket and the Basket as Art
Baskets are the Province of Women… and a Few Men.
Basketry is generally a woman’s art that is also pursued by the nadle (he-to-she) or men skilled in the arts and lifestyle of both men and women. Basketry is not classified with textile fabrics (yistl’o), but with sewing (nalkhad).
Making baskets is a sacred act – many are used for ceremonial purposes. Today, there are several amazing artists at Twin Rocks who have created an art form that is a fusion of tradition and cutting-edge contemporary art.
Traditionally, while the basket is in progress, the sewer is untouched and avoided by the members of her family. The basket material, too, is placed beyond the immediate reach of the household. The basketmaking is finished as quickly as possible. Usually, the craft and art is passed down through women in the family, and learned at a young age.
In days past, if the basketmaking went on too long, sickness and rheumatic stiffness might affect both the wrists and the joints of the sewer. This was remedied by a singer/medicine man who, in the course of a ceremony, clothed both arms of the patient with the skin of a fawn (bi’yazh). Then, a hole was broken into the south side of the hogan through which the patient extended her hand and wrist. As soon as the wrist appeared on the outside, her younger sister took it between her teeth, pressing them lightly into the skin. This removed the stiffness (nasdo’).
There are families of weavers we at Twin Rocks have been honored to work with in their passion to experiment with materials, colors and designs. What they have created is mind-boggling. We believe that creating a new art form is also a sacred act, and we applaud these men and women for their vision!
The Passion of Southwest Turquoise
New Burnham Turquoise Bracelet set in a Timeless Design.
Gem quality turquoise used in Native American jewelry is a special passion for us here at Twin Rocks Trading Post. We search far and wide for the best in natural Southwest American turquoise as well as fine quality specimens of Persian and Chinese turquoise.
Turquoise is identified by the mine it comes from. Twin Rocks’ wide selection of classic American turquoise includes Bisbee, Blue Diamond, Blue Gem, Burnham, Carico Lake, Cripple Creek, Damele, Fox, Kingman, Lone Mountain, Morenci, Number 8, Pilot Mountain, Red Mountain, Royston, Sleeping Beauty, Stenech and Turquoise Mountain.
And, we believe in placing turquoise within classic southwestern jewelry settings. We work with the best Native Southwest silversmiths and goldsmiths, including Will Denetdale, John Begay Jr., John Yazzie, and Eugene Livingston. We love to see their blasts into the past and their experiments that pull us into the future. (We also work with outstanding turquoise bead artists Ray Lovato, John Huntress, Bruce Eckhardt and Kai Gallagher.) Our goal is to offer true Native American turquoise craftsmanship in individually designed jewelry treasures.
If you are looking for unique, high-quality turquoise bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces and other beautiful objects crafted in sterling silver and 14k gold, look no further. You will not find a better selection anywhere in the Southwest — that is our promise and our guarantee to you.
While exploring the Southwest, seek out one of the best-kept secrets in the United States: Bluff, UT, and Twin Rocks Trading Post and Gallery. For decades we have built loyal clients, and we all benefit from our strong relationships with local artists.
When you visit, stop by the cafe and put your feet up. Enjoy the Bluffs. Talk to the locals. Then come down to the Trading Post and Gallery. Feel the passion of the turquoise, and the love that goes into creating one of the finest collections of Native American arts and crafts.
It’s all about the beauty!
Bluff is the Center of Hillerman Country
Writer Tony Hillerman used Bluff as a setting in his book, Thief of Time
Tony Hillerman loved the four corners area, and we’re proud that this gracious and artistic man graced Bluff with his presence while researching A Thief of Time.
As always, Tony’s books are filled with Navajo lore, and they are spell-binding. At a moonlit Indian ruin—-where “thieves of time” ravage sacred ground in the name of profit—-a noted anthropologist vanishes while on the verge of making a startling, history-altering discovery. At an ancient burial site, amid stolen goods and desecrated bones, two corpses are discovered, shot by bullets fitting the gun of the missing scientist.
Modern mysteries abound in ancient places, and Navajo Tribal Policemen Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee must plunge into the past to unearth the astonishing truth behind a mystifying series of horrific murders.
Tony Hillerman was the former president of the Mystery Writers of America and received its Edgar® and Grand Master awards. His other honors include the Center for the American Indian’s Ambassador Award, the Silver Spur Award for the best novel set in the West, and the Navajo Tribe’s Special Friend Award. He lived with his family in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
When you are in Hillerman Country, stop by our Twin Rocks Cafe. Pick up one of Tony’s books. Where better to read about the heart of Tony’s settings than in Bluff, sitting on our porch, watching the magic roll over the mesas…
Sharing our World through Stories and Art
Where did People Come From? Consider the Lovely Ladybug.
Ladybugs, evolution and creation are the themes that Jean B. Cly combined in this gorgeous basket she brought into Twin Rocks.
Navajo people believe that, in their earliest forms, they were ants and various bugs. Through the past four worlds they have changed into the people-animals that they are today.
Through her weavings Jean has led us, and taught us, many of the traditional Navajo legends and stories. Wonderful stories that make our world expand and teach us the possibilities of our imaginations and beliefs. We believe learning different stories makes us better people. That it makes us more compassionate beings as we walk this earth we all share.
Thank you, Jean, from the crew at Twin Rocks!
The Heart of the Southwest
All roads lead to Twin Rocks, in amazing Bluff, UT
Why come and visit us at Twin Rocks? Easy. You’ll have a great time that is completely unique.
The Twin Rocks Trading Post sits just beneath the Navajo Twins geologic formation in the historic pioneer town of Bluff, Utah. Barry and Steve Simpson, local boys, share their passion for cultural tradition and artistic innovation with both artists and visiting collectors.
Open minds and imagination have resulted in a Navajo basketry renaissance. You’ll also discover one of the finest contemporary Native American turquoise jewelry collections in the world. (No kidding!) And, the Twin Rocks Modern Navajo rug is the first Navajo weaving design innovation in decades.
Pop in. There’s always a lively conversation going on about the west of old, contemporary Indian art, and travel exploits. (Tell us yours!)
This is our home. If you have any questions about the Four Corners regional culture and landscape, feel free to ask us. If we don’t know, we’ll point you in the right direction. When you visit us in Bluff, we promise you a top-notch experience in Native American art and hospitality.
Our friendly team is happy to give you an authentic experience that is comfortable, informative and fun. Like many people we have met over the years, we hope you come through our front door as customers and leave as life-long friends. And, you can always give us a buzz at 1-800-526-3448.
Welcome to our part of the planet, friends. Life will never look quite the same way again.
Turquoise, the Sensuous Gem of the Southwest
Blue Gem Turquoise, the Queen of the Southwest
The Blue Gem turquoise mine is located near Battle Mountain, Nevada, scene of the bestselling book THE GLASS CASTLE by Jeannette Walls.
The mine has not produced turquoise for over 25 years, and experts agree that the best specimens were mined from the late 1960s through the late 1970s. This particular turquoise stone was cut and polished by the DePriest family from Manassa, Colorado shortly after 1976.
The astonishing blue/green color of this stone, and its unique hardness and shine is one of the best stones to emerge from the Blue Gem mine.
Blue Gem turquoise is a rare, valuable and historic American treasure. Quality Blue Gem Turquoise has a wide range of color. Because Blue Gem turquoise is very hard, it takes a high polish, making the color even more intense. It is striking and full of wonder.
The mine opened about 1934 and continued into the 1970’s. Unlike most turquoise mines, most of the turquoise found there was of gem-quality.
Today the Blue Gem mine sits in the middle of a huge mining operation. The emphasis is on precious metals, and the extraction of turquoise is considered more of a hindrance in the mining process rather than an asset.
Even the ever-popular “Dump Diving” for turquoise through the overburden is not tolerated. Insurance factors, equipment hazards, high explosives and safety issues keep Blue Gem turquoise unavailable to the world.
Unless, of course, you are the fortunate person who purchases this heirloom stone. It’s sort of like buying a shiny miracle.
Southwest Art and Stories 