Art of the American West | August 31, 2021, noon | Monrovia, CA

The Old and the New

The upcoming Art of the American West sale features an eclectic mix of Western treasures.

John Moran Auctioneers’ forthcoming Art of the American West sale will take place August 31, showcasing a variety of items, some encompassing the Old West and others channeling the new. One of the highlights is a well-curated selection of more than 75 Native American objects and jewelry from the collection of Loren Ingraham, who amassed early squash-blossom necklaces, concho belts and a wide variety of Zuni, Navajo and Hopi cuff bracelets.

Stanley Quentin Johnson (1939-2017), Hopi Buffalo Dancer, 1979, patinated bronze on green marble base, 29¾ 17 x 19” Estimate: $3/5,000

“Moran’s next Art of the American West sale will feature two collections of American Indian jewelry, one historical and one contemporary,” says Maranda Moran, Western and American Indian specialist at John Moran Auctioneers. “Two necklaces in the Leekya Deyuse style, a Navajo headstall, several impressive concho belts, a wide range of squash blossoms and an enviable collection of bolo ties and ketoh arm guards represent much of the jewelry offerings,” she adds. One of the Leekya fetish necklaces features 21 animal forms and is estimated to sell for $2,000 to $3,000.

Navajo Germantown blanket, 1904, 75 x 59” Estimate: $4/6,000

Moran says that a Western auction is simply incomplete without a selection of bronze works as well. “We have a lovely lineup including works by Stanley Johnson, Earle Heikka, Alexander Phimister Proctor, James Regimbal, Tim Shinabarger and a fantastic collection of Donald Polland miniature sterling figurative sculptures. Curating the array of colors, textures, materials and designs in this auction has been a joy as the hand of the maker is present in every object and a true testament to the human imagination.”

A Leekya style fetish necklace Estimate: $2/3,000

Also on the table this August are fantastic mid-century Navajo textiles from an important West Coast collection, in addition to Native American basketry and Western fine art, ranging from traditional to modern. A beautiful 1904 Navajo Germantown blanket featuring several Navajo symbols is expected to fetch between $4,000 and $6,000.

Edgar S. Paxson (1852-1919), Profile of an American Indian Chief, 1904, watercolor on paper, 11¾ x 9¾” Estimate: $8/12,000