Mission Del Rey Blog

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo-Tigua Indian Pottery is becoming very rare with only two artists remaining who continue the traditional painted pottery which is created without pencil lines or templates. Their traditional weavings have already ceased as the modern Tigua are influenced by outside cultures. If you have an opportunity to own a piece of authentic Native American Tigua pottery you are in good company with collectors of pueblo pottery who include both President’s Bush and Clinton as well as man …

Trade blankets are the personal wraps of the old west that replaced hand loomed blankets worn by Native Americans as robes and used as dance wraps. Something of a status symbol they also came to be called chief's blankets because the chief's of the tribes would become known for the colorful trade blankets they wore. One of the most famous being Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. Trade blankets came to be famous and synonymous with Indian blankets as Europeans began to trade in North America. The sto …

The tree of life is a symbol seen in hand weaving tradition that has had special meaning in Native American life as well as many other cultures throughout history. The Tree of life is usually depicted more as a vine or tree growing in a straight line, however it has taken different forms in different areas. The common practice between cultures is to relate the symbolic tree of life design to an actual tree in the area. In order for a tree to attain this level of adoration it is usually a plant t …

Things are going great but the ministry is not without heartaches. Last week, we experienced a tragedy that left us all shocked. A month ago, two of our Tarahumara Indian ladies came to church, both with new babies. We were really excited and Deb had a good time with the ladies holding the newborns and making over them. She gave them baby blankets and sleepers that were provided by friends in the US. Then last week, we had to travel to renew our permission papers to minister in Mexico. Whil …

Indian baskets have a unique purpose and place in the culture of Native Americans. I love using these colorful baskets to bring Native American style to my home. It is incredible when you start reading the history of Native American basket weaving and find that basket use actually started hundreds of years ago, and is one of the most ancient art forms known in Indian history. Indian baskets, like those made by the Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and Tarahumara Tribes are famous for their beautiful, hand- …