Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-08-12

rhav represcnt the earliest art and
1andcraft OF tho first Americans the
aboriginal Indians who lived In the
Southwest in tho days Of tho pre-
cave dwellings. nobody knows
how many centuries ago.
These arts OF blanket weaving. pot
.cry molding. silver hammcrins. bas-
kerry and beading have boen handed
down from generation to generation
Each tribe or pueblo has retained to
n certain extent its distinctive type |
Of handiwork which Immediately |
Identifies the artist with the product.
II is common knowledge that the
Navajo Is the premier blanket weaver,
that the Hopi makes the finest baskets
and that the Pueblo excells In pottery
Even among tho several
pueblos the styles OF pottery are
easily distinguished.
Indian arts are fast dying out In
this country. To effect revival OF
the native arts and crafts and to en-
courage the Indians to strive Tor the
early perfection OF their forefathers.
great fair is to be held among the
Indians OF New Mexico and Arizona
In September at the time OF the 2l0th
annual fiesta OF the city OF the Holy
Faith. Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Southwest Indian Fair and In
dustrial Arts and Crafts Exhibition.
as It will be known. Is the first OF its
kind in that section OF the country
Local fairs have been held on reeer-
vations and there have been exhibi-
tions OF Indian handiwork at county
fairs. but nothing OF the scope and
character OF this exhibition has ever
been held in the Southwest.
The exhibition, which IL primarily
for tho Indians themselves, but VIII
be an added attraction for the fiesta
ar we'll. IL being conducted by the
School OF American Research and its
Director, Edgar L. Hewett. and by
the Santa Fe Chamber OF Commerce
which Is In charge Of the annual
fiesta and historical pageant. Lans-
ing p. Bloom. q director OF the state
museum. In to be superintendent Of
exhibits.
Indiana Woman Provided Prizes.
The fair is the outgrowth Of idea.
advanced several years ago by Mis-
Rose Dugan Of Richmond. Indiana
who has Interested herself in prsc
teal way in Indian handicraft. Sh'
has rendered an endowment from tn
income of which some OF the prize
for the fair are derived. Other tro
phies have been offered by the SAINT;
Fe business men who are interests
In the development OF the Indian art
and industries.
given as 'the encouragement OF nativ
arts and crafts among the Indians; Z
revive old arts and 70 keep the art
Of each tribe and pueblo as distinc
a. possible; the establishment AM
locating Of markets for Indian pro
ducts; the securing OF REASONABLE
prices: authenticity OF all handicraf
offered for sale; and protection OF tn
Indian In AL his business dealings Wit
traders and buyers"
All OF the villages and reservation
in the Southwest have been notifie
of the exhibition and are bustltn
with preparations to send the bes
of their products and their craftsme
TO the big fair. Camping facilttte
| for the visiting Indians, many {
| whom will ride their horses IN. wi
be provided IN Santa Fe, and the
valued handiworix will be guarded
, the state armory there.
The netries OF Pueblo pottery w
be among the largest at the TAI
Dougan fund prizes having been o
a fered for the best individual exhih
: from each pueblo and a grand prii
for the best OF all. The followir
K pueblos will enter exhibits of potter.
Il San Juan, Santa Clara, San 1ldefons
Tesuque. Santo Domingo, Cochi
5 San Felipe. Santa Ana. Zia. Jemt
/: Sandia. Islsta, Laguna, Acoma. ZuI
= and Hopi.
The exhibit room will not RESENT
- a museum with its articles on displ;
!, under glass, nor country fair wi
tables covered with tagged wares. It
IT costume to display their own hans
work. That is a feature of the COZ
le petitive regulations. The Nays
" blanket weaver must be present
native working apparel and with
ty working loom IN order 10 enter his {
le hibits. The Indian textile workers mi
wear their garments made OF hon
IN spun wool and native dyes, and
silversmith must bring the tools of
ID trade and must dress In native ST,
OF when he shows his collection OF rim
bracelets and belts. The Mescale
OF Apache basket maker must wear
Q, customary habit when he brings
his collection or baskets. Three piet
h. of pottery and a dozen baskets are ,
In lually required for each single exhibi
Encouraging Indian Artists.
The Indian artists who have Co
into prominence in the art world
IN late Will be given an opportunity
display their pictures at the I:
Prizes will be offered for the
~ drawings in pencil. pen and ink
water colors of Indian dances. ce
- monials, games or occupations. Drs
ings of pottery designs will also be
- tered. Prizes Will be offered for tn
" in order to interest the school puI
In the study and use OF the decoral
art of their own pueblos. These
signs are now being widely adar
by the white people for stencil
orations on garments and housef
linens.
"a. Indian dancing is considered am
80 the arts OF tho exhibit. A trophy
~ y 1eA 10 ~
~ than 20 from any tribe which perfol
~ the best and most artistic ceremo
..s, dance. Judging will be made on e.
orations of costume and perfection
~. the music. singing and rhythm.
-, dances will be given before the fl
- la1dioncaa 90 a mart of the nrOgl