The 9th annual Navajo Rug Auction, benefitting Navajo weavers and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, will take place Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Prairie Star Restaurant in Bernalillo. More than 200 traditional and contemporary handmade rugs by weavers of New Mexico and Arizona will be on display and available for purchase.

The only local Navajo rug auction, will feature a wide range of rug styles and other hand crafted Native American art. Viewing begins at 11 a.m., the auction starts at 1 p.m.

The Auction offers a great opportunity to view a variety of styles. The event is free and open to the public. Purchases are tax free.

The public is also invited to attend the preview event on Friday, Nov. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, The University of New Mexico.

At the preview, purchase Native American jewelry, check out the auction inventory and find the value of your Native American art at a special appraisal clinic. Specialists and experts will be on site to identify and set a market price. Appraisals are $10 per item. To schedule an appointment, call 505-277-1400 or email mhermans@unm.edu.

The preview and auction are conducted by the R. B. Burnham Trading Post. Bruce Burnham and his family are well known for their work in trading Native art of the four corners area for five generations. Their expertise in buying, selling, and trading has earned the respect of collectors and peers nationwide.

The Prairie Star restaurant is located on Highway 550 at Tamaya Road, Bernalillo, N.M. The Maxwell Museum is located just north of the intersection of University and Martin Luther King Blvds. For more information call 505 277-1400 or visit the Maxwell Museum website