Enchanted by New Mexico

The Hopis deliberately built their villages on the mesa tops and dry farmed in the ravines running down the mountain sides. The Spanish recorded the Hopi Village, Old Oraibi, as having 1,500 - 3,000 residents in 1540.

This ledger art represented Apache efforts to establish autonomy even while imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida. It often depicted hunting scenes.

The Sunface is a sacred Native American symbol most closely associated with the Zuni Pueblo and their revered “Sun Father.” It represents life, warmth, stability, prosperity, and the natural balance of the world.

Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems. Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise is the national gem of Tibet, and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil.

We feel that Tanner Tradition stands out because it honors the legacy of Native American craftsmanship. Each item tells a story, crafted with care and respect for cultural heritage. What often strikes our customers most is the warmth that radiates from every piece. Whether it’s a beautifully woven basket or a delicate silver necklace, the artistry speaks volumes.

Kokopelli is a revered Native American fertility deity and trickster figure, traditionally depicted as a humpbacked, flute-playing wanderer, particularly in Southwest cultures like the Hopi, Zuni, and Ancestral Puebloans. Dating back over 3,000 years, he symbolizes joy, music, agriculture, and childbirth, often seen as bringing rain and spring.

Peter Ray uses his talents as an artist creating paintings, masks, and fabric “spiritual” sculptures to deliver the message for him.

Heritage traditions are the threads that weave the fabric of our communities. They offer us a sense of belonging and continuity, reminding us of where we come from and guiding us toward where we are going.

This piece is a beautiful example of Cecil Miles’ exceptional carving talent. Crafted from a single piece of cottonwood root, the figure represents an important character in Navajo mythology—the Water Sprinkler, a spiritual being associated with celestial waters and rain. In ceremonial dances, the Water Sprinkler is said to dip a fox tail into water and sprinkle it over the earth to bless and nourish it.

A squash blossom necklace is a well-known type of Native American jewelry, easily recognized by its eye-catching and beautiful design. Silver beads, floral shapes, and a distinctive crescent-shaped pendant come together to form one of the most iconic types of Native American jewelry.

One of the most respected artists continuing this tradition is Virginia Tso, a renowned Navajo jeweler from Pinedale, Arizona. Virginia has specialized in handmade sterling silver beads since the 1970s, carrying forward a family tradition that spans multiple generations.

The Gaan dancers are deeply revered by the Apache people. Through their participation in these ceremonies, they help maintain balance, health, and well-being within the community.

When we wear or display these pieces, we carry a piece of history with us. They remind us of the enduring spirit of Native American communities and their deep connection to nature and culture.

Turquoise is far more than a gemstone in Native American culture—it is a sacred "living stone" that bridges the physical and spiritual worlds. Valued for over a millennium, it symbolizes the sky, water, and the very essence of life.

An uncomfortable truth for many New Mexicans is that the state’s most recognizable symbol—the iconic four-pronged sun that appears on the state flag, on most New Mexico license plates, and in the floor design of the State Capitol—was appropriated from the Indigenous people of Zia Pueblo.

The elk are just one example of the wildlife that I enjoy here in NM. I love watching them as they stroll freely among us whether on the streets in midtown, Ruidoso or congregating on one of the golf courses or larger properties nearby.

One vivid example of cultural tradition is the Navajo weaving practice. This art form has been passed down through generations, with each weaver adding their own touch while maintaining traditional patterns and techniques.

Apache Burden Baskets are a Symbol of Hospitality inviting visitors to place their "burdens" (worries) in these baskets which are hung outside before entering a home, giving rise to the phrase "leave your burdens at the door"

Learn about how Navajo Pearls are made and Virginia Tso, one of the most respected artists continuing the tradition in making these handmade treasures.

There is something truly captivating about the natural world’s gifts transformed by skilled hands into wearable art.