Bahti Indian Arts Santa Fe and Tucson

Bahti Indian Arts Santa Fe and Tucson Fine Indian Arts for 75 years. Founded by Tom Bahti, currently owned and operated by Mark Bahti Tom Bahti began his career in Indian arts in 1949.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a degree in anthropology, he and his bride, Peggy, opened Ghost Ranch Trading Post. Moving to Tucson that winter, he was partners with John Tanner at Desert House Crafts before opening Tom Bahti Indian Arts in 1952. In 1966 he authored the first general introduction to the work of artists of the region. Entitled Southwest Indian Arts and Craf

ts, it was the first of a trilogy of books - Southwest Indian Tribes and Southwest Indian Ceremonials, that together have sold over a million copies, and have been revised and expanded by his son Mark in subsequent editions. Mark took over upon Tom's death in 1972 and continues to run the store. He opened a a second shop in Santa Fe). Some of the artist they work with are the great-great grandchildren of artisans who sold to Tom Bahti. A researcher/author like his father, Mark has written a number of books as well, including A Consumer's Guide to Southwest Indian Art, Pueblo Stories and Storytellers, Navajo Sandpainting Art (co-authored with Eugene Baatsoslanii Joe), Collecting Southwest Native American Jewelry, Southwest Indian Weaving, Southwest Indian Designs, Spirit in the Stone (a book on animal carvings and fetishes) and, most recently, Stone and Silver.He is also working on another book (on pottery artists) and two research projects. And, like his father before him, he continues to be involved with Indian-run organizations addressing education, health and employment issues. He is a long-time (40+ years) board member of the Tucson Indian Center, is past Chair of the Institute of American Indian Arts' Foundation in Santa Fe and served 3 terms on the board of SWAIA. He also serves on the board of the Amerind Foundation.

This beautiful vintage Pima basket featuring the butterfly pattern is new to the Tucson shop this week. $450. 9 inches i...
09/03/2026

This beautiful vintage Pima basket featuring the butterfly pattern is new to the Tucson shop this week. $450. 9 inches in diameter.

There is a really great badger fe**sh made from elk antler by Zuni carver Claudia Peina. $55, in the Tucson shop. Measur...
09/03/2026

There is a really great badger fe**sh made from elk antler by Zuni carver Claudia Peina. $55, in the Tucson shop. Measuring 1 3/4” by 1 3/8”.

Rings are becoming harder to find and simultaneously more in demand. Especially vintage pieces! This week we’re very ple...
09/02/2026

Rings are becoming harder to find and simultaneously more in demand. Especially vintage pieces! This week we’re very pleased to have a handful of really nice rings to make available. Starting at the top, we have a size 7 with 11 stones for $240. Next row: turquoise teardrop is size 7 3/4 $120 and spiny oyster size 7.5 for $160. In the middle with the rectangular turquoise size 7.5 $150. Bottom row: green turquoise with arrow design is size 8.5 for $120 and next to it on the right is a single stone, size 8.5 $120. Questions? Call us at 520-277-0290.

On the stand, the top ring is size 9.5, $110. 14k gold on silver. The bottom one is silver overlay with bear claw motif size 10.75 for $90.
The larger turquoise ring is $250, size 9.5.
Smaller turquoise ring is size 8, $160.
Any questions? Give us a call at 520-227-0290.

This is a very beautiful Acome pot from circa the 1940s. 8.5” tall and approximately 12/12.5” wide. In Tucson. $2400
09/02/2026

This is a very beautiful Acome pot from circa the 1940s. 8.5” tall and approximately 12/12.5” wide. In Tucson. $2400

We have a wonderful selection of vintage Navajo textiles new to the Tucson shop this week. This Navajo rug was hand-wove...
09/02/2026

We have a wonderful selection of vintage Navajo textiles new to the Tucson shop this week. This Navajo rug was hand-woven of processed wool in natural white, grey and and aniline colors in the 1970s. It measures 51 by 35.5 inches. There is no area name for this pattern - the practice of naming patterns for specific areas or trading posts is one which begun by traders in the 1920s to help them compete against other trading posts - in particular those that were closer to the railheads and tourists markets. Area-name patterns existed for a relatively brief period from the 1920s until the early 1950s. $1200

This vintage Zuni necklace measures 19” in length, circa 1960s/70s, singed SXX. Available in the Tucson shop! $750
08/29/2026

This vintage Zuni necklace measures 19” in length, circa 1960s/70s, singed SXX. Available in the Tucson shop! $750

A new sculptural basket piece from Tohono O’odham weavers Fred & Della Cruz. The detail on this one is really remarkabl...
08/29/2026

A new sculptural basket piece from Tohono O’odham weavers Fred & Della Cruz. The detail on this one is really remarkable. From the lasso and saddle to the horse’s mane and bridle. In the Tucson shop. $110

Here are three katsinam who seem to be asking for attention lately. So, we must oblige. All are in the Tucson shop.First...
08/28/2026

Here are three katsinam who seem to be asking for attention lately. So, we must oblige. All are in the Tucson shop.
First we have Sakwa Matya. Carved by Horace Kayquoptewa of the Bear and Spider Clans from the village of Hotvela on Third Mesa. This katsina is known by a number of names, including Matia and Maave (which means hand), depending upon his function and what he carries with him during the katsina ceremonies. He often takes the role of a runner, challenging young Hopi men to race. Many of the fields the Hopi men planted and tended were miles from the mesa-top villages. Some men from the village of Orayvi farmed fields more than 20 miles away. Running is also a part of Hopi rain-bringing ritual, with runners stationing themselves miles south of the village and then racing back, with the idea that their running would encourage the clouds or cloud people to race back with them, bringing the rain. If challenged by this katsina winners of the brief sprint receive a basketry plaque, while losers are chased with a yucca whip to encourage them to run faster. This is a Sakwa Matya or Blue Hand, blue being the color for the direction West. $225

This flat Sösöpa doll was carved by Randy Brokeshoulder of the To***co Clan form the village of Hotvela on Third
Mesa. Sösöpa represents the spirit of crickets. The Hopi say he sings to help the crops grow. $80

These two photos show an absolutely wonderful Butterfly Maiden (Palhikwmana) by the late great Randy Howato of the Sand and Snake Clans of First Mesa.
The Butterfly Maiden is important. Butterflies are major pollinators, but the literal meaning of her Hopi name -Palhikw-mana- is Moisture Drinking Maiden.
Butterfly dancers appear in a social dance called the Butterfly Dance in English. This is held in the early Fall for the benefit of the harvest. As a reminder of the importance of family ties her dancing partner is always a
relative. The tableta or headdress is made by the male partner/relative as a gesture of thanks, since the women chose with whom they will dance. The headdress usually includes rain, cloud, lightning and rainbow motifs among others. Her long hair represents the fall of gentle rain. $600

This is a striking vintage piece that recently made its way into the Tucson shop. Sandcast sterling silver and Carico La...
08/26/2026

This is a striking vintage piece that recently made its way into the Tucson shop. Sandcast sterling silver and Carico Lake turquoise measuring approximately 5.75” in diameter from the center of the pendant. We cannot determine the marker due to the hallmark having been part of the mold itself. It’s there, but indistinguishable. Nevertheless this is a truly unique beauty. $675

We have three beautiful small baskets we wanted to show you today. -The first is about 4.25” by a little over 2”. It is ...
08/26/2026

We have three beautiful small baskets we wanted to show you today.
-The first is about 4.25” by a little over 2”. It is Pima, with a triangular pattern that resembles a sun or sunflower from above. Some may even say a squash blossom. $275
-The second is a yucca and devil’s claw Tohono O’odham basket measuring 4.25” by slightly over 1” tall. The start in the center is a slightly more complicated one that you don’t see much anymore. Probably made between the 1940s and 1960s. $150
-The third is again Pima. Made in the 1930s or 1940s of willow and devil’s claw. Approximately 2.5” by 3.5”. $200
All available in Tucson. 520-227-0290

Address

119 E Palace Avenue
Santa Fe, NM
87501

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+15059834542

Website

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