Q: Do you
have a layaway program? (return
to top)
A: Yes. Our standard terms
are 90 days, and we require 1/3 down, with another third in the
second month, and the balance during the third month. Special
arrangements can be made for large purchases or other extenuating
circumstances.
Q: Where
are you located? (return to top)
A: Ancient Nations is located
in the Crossroads of the West (Northern Utah). We continue to
work closely in conjunction with McGee's Indian Art of Keams
Canyon, Arizona (on the Hopi Indian Reservation) and other trading
partners throughout the Southwest. We offer a variety of Native
American art from beadwork to baskets, pottery, kachinas, and
rugs.
Q: Do you
special order? (return to top)
A: We are always willing
to help our customers find exactly what they are looking for.
If we do not have the item in our inventory, we can certainly
try to have something custom made. Generally this works best
with jewelry, and lead times are usually around 4-6 weeks (sometimes
less). Kachinas are also a popular special order, while pottery
and baskets are not recreated as often.
Q: Do you
buy collections or take consignments? (return to top)
A: We believe the secondary
market is an important one, both for artists and collectors and
we work with both to keep the market moving. With that said,
we are always interested in quality items and are willing to
evaluate opportunities on a piece by piece basis. Please inquire for consignment terms.
Q: Do you
send items on approval? (return
to top)
A: While we cannot ship
anything on an approval basis, all of our items are satisfaction
guaranteed. This means if you are not happy with your purchase
for any reason, you may return it for a credit or refund within
three days of receipt. Item must be returned in the condition
it was sent, and all shipping is the responsibility of the buyer.
Broken or damaged items should be reported immediately.
Q: Do you
offer special sales or additional discounts? (return to top)
A: Because we buy directly
from the artist in most cases, we are able to avoid middle-man
markups. As a result, our offerings are already priced below
the common retail values found in major metropolitan areas like
Scottsdale, Sedona, and Santa Fe. Occasionally we will have special
offers made available only to members of our email list - so
be sure
to join the list
and stay tuned!
Q: What
if my item arrives damaged? (return
to top)
A: If an item arrives damaged
or broken, please contact us immediately. All packing material
should be kept until the gallery has been notified. Kachinas
sometimes require minor touch-ups (which do not affect value
or condition). If these or other items are beyond repair, we
will gladly accept them returned for a full refund. See our approval
policy for "satisfaction guaranteed."
Travel Related Questions
Q: Can
we visit the Hopi reservation and villages? (return to top)
A: The Hopi tribe relies
on some form of tourism for its economic development. They are
happy to have guests, but they are very determined to protect
their culture and property. Options range from a casual drive
down the highway, stopping at shops along the way, to more in
depth experiences requiring the assistance of a guide and/or
other more formal instruction. Please feel free to contact us
or the Hopi tribe directly with more questions. Nothing makes
the art, history, and culture come alive like a visit to the
mesas.
Q: Are
we allowed to attend ceremonies? (return to top)
A: The Hopi people participate
in a series of social and religious ceremonies throughout the
year. Some are open to outsiders while others are not. Each village
differs with regard to their own policy. Most social dances are
open to the public, and some religious ceremonies are open to
non-Indians, but all require an understanding of the etiquette
expected from guests. For a more detailed explanation, feel free
to contact us or the Hopi tribe directly.
Q: When
are dances held? What is the best time of year to visit? (return to top)
A: 1) The Hopi ceremonial
season is not on a fixed calendar. They follow the lunar cycles
and schedule their dances accordingly. Usually a village or clan
will announce a dance one or two weeks in advance. It is impossible
to know which kachinas will appear or what village is going to
put on a dance, but there are general seasons where certain dances
take place. For example, the Home Dances are held in the middle
of the summer (late July / early August) throughout all of the
different villages. Social dances, like the basket dance, are
held in October. Bean Dances and other related ceremonies (some
of them restricted) are held in February.
2) The best time of year
to visit depends on your interests. If you primarily want to
see kachina dances but can't stand cold weather, plan to visit
during the Home Dances (see #1), if history and culture in general
appeal to you, any time is good. Many people think Arizona is
HOT, but not at an elevation of 6500 feet! The Hopi reservation
ranges from 100 degrees in mid summer to below zero in mid winter.
This is a land of extremes, so take note and be prepared.
Q: What
should I expect during my visit? (return to top)
A: The following is a laundry
list of things you'll encounter during a visit to the rez:
1. Friendly faces welcoming
you to their homeland.
2. Craftspeople eager to show you their wares.
3. Shops and galleries showcasing the finest local creations.
4. Roadside vendors offering everything from fresh fruit to pinon
seeds, popcorn balls and chili bread.
5. Only one motel located on the Hopi reservation. Everything
else is located in nearby border towns.
6. Stray dogs. The majority are harmless, but it always pays
to be cautious - especially if you have food.
7. Signs either welcoming you to the village or informing you
that a village is closed for ceremonies.
8. A restriction on ALL photography, sketching, and recording.
This is strictly prohibited throughout the Hopi reservation.
Alcohol is also prohibited on the reservation, so be prepared
to forego certain beverages during your visit.
9. Visitor centers at most villages. Check in here to let the
village know you are around and receive any special instructions.
10. Ancient architecture and a living culture.
11. Once again, many visitors expect all of Arizona to be as
warm as the Phoenix valley. Expect colder temperatures in the
Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Hopi reservation is at an elevation
of more than 6,000 feet above sea level.
Q: What
is general etiquette? (return
to top)
A: Try not to be a tourist,
but a respectful visitor. Do not take pictures. Do not drive
off clearly marked roads. Do not enter buildings or touch anything
unless invited to do so. Do not remove objects such as stones,
feathers, pot sherds, or other items found on the ground. Dress
appropriately. It is a matter of opinion to some, but tank tops,
short shorts, hats, head bands, visors, etc. are considered by
some Hopi people to be inappropriate while observing dances or
ceremonies. Try to be inconspicuous, and lastly - don't ask a
lot of questions. Hopi people regard their culture as sacred
and if they wish to share the meaning of it with you, they will.
Q. What
else is there to do during our trip? (return to top)
A. Indian Country is a
vast expanse of desert and mountain range. There are beautiful
sights to see at nearly every major junction. The Hopi reservation
is surrounded by other tribal lands belonging to the Navajos,
Apaches, Paiutes, and others. Some of these areas offer opportunities
for hiking, camping, fishing, etc. Most visitors stay busy visiting
the major landmarks such as trading posts, cliff dwellings, and
modern villages. There are also plenty of places to find lodging
in and around the reservation - ranging from efficiently priced
motels, to more immersive lodges and hotels. Guided tours are
often available, and horseback riding is another popular activity
in some areas.
The Hopi reservation is
only a short drive from these major points of interest:
