The Foundation for Las Cruces Museums is sponsoring the second annual Navajo Rug Auction to benefit the Las Cruces museum system. Over 200 authentic handmade Navajo rugs and baskets will be available for auction Saturday, October 24 at the Branigan Cultural Center, 501 North Main Street.
All auction items will be available for preview 9 am - noon. The auction begins at noon. Local weavers will be on site to identify handspun, hand-carded and vintage pieces and to help identify important features of the rugs.
The event will also feature weaving demonstrations by well-known Navajo weavers the Spider Rock Girls. Attendees can meet this extraordinary family and learn about their approach to both traditional and innovative weaving techniques and patterns. They will also be hosting a special presentation for children at 11 am.
Additionally, on Friday, October 23 at noon, the museum will host a jewelry sale and appraisal session. For $10 per item, people can have their Native American rugs, baskets, jewelry and similar items professionally appraised.
Navajo weavers are renowned world-wide for their skilled weaving and Navajo rugs are quintessential aspects of the Southwestern cultural landscape.
The auction will be run by R.B. Burnham & Co. Proceeds benefit Navajo weavers, the Branigan Cultural Center, and the Foundation for Las Cruces Museums. Admission is free. For more information visit www.foundationlcm.com