In 1977, the S’edav Va’aki Museum, formerly Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, held its first Indian Market. The event was hosted by the museum’s auxiliary, a nonprofit organization established to raise additional funds to support the museum. This year will mark the 48th annual Indian Market, which will be held on Dec. 13 and 14.

Each year, Indigenous artists gather at the market to showcase their traditional arts and crafts, with pieces ranging from mixed media and beadwork to textiles and basketry. Along with more than 100 traditional arts booths, there will be Native American music and dance performances, hands-on demonstrations and Native foods.

This year the featured artist is August Wood, a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member. Wood is Akimel O’odham, Tohono O’odham and Diné. He learned traditional basketry from Sally Antone of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and traditional pottery making from Ron Carlos baḍ. He will be showcasing both his traditional baskets and pottery at the event. 

“Basketry is my first traditional skill,” said Wood. “For me, I just wanted to learn how to do these things, and, you know, growing up here in the Community, I’d seen baskets at different people’s houses, or I’d see baskets in museums and stuff like that. I was always curious how they were made, so I finally got the opportunity to learn,” said Wood.

Wood explained the process of gathering and processing the materials and making the final product. He began, “Well, they’re all very labor intensive and time consuming. My dad, he would say anything you do traditionally is going to be very time consuming.” The process of making baskets and pottery requires dedication and willingness to mess up. “Everybody is so used to seeing the finished product, you know,” said Wood.

“It’s become my main focus, you know, working on these things, always making something,” Wood said. He has found a passion for traditional crafts and has made it a priority in his life. Through learning these traditional crafts, he has now had the opportunity to teach classes and demonstrate his work at different events. 

“I’m looking forward to the [S’edav Va’aki Indian Market]. I’ve been a demonstrator at the event, but I’ve never been the featured artist before,” he shared excitedly.

The 48th Annual Indian Market at S’edav Va’aki Museum takes place Dec. 13-14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for Native Americans, military and first responders, with free admission for children 12 and younger. The museum is located at 4619 E. Washington St. in Phoenix. For further information, call (602) 534-2442 or email market@svmfoundation.org.