The University of New Mexico Maxwell Museum of Anthropology presents the 10th Annual Navajo Rug Auction on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Prairie Star Restaurant in Bernalillo. Viewing will begin at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to all.

More than 200 traditional and contemporary handmade rugs by weavers of New Mexico and Arizona will be on display and available for purchase. This is the only local Navajo rug auction, which will feature a wide range of rug styles and other hand crafted Native American art. 

Whether you are a collector or interested in knowing more, the Navajo rug auction offers a great opportunity to view a variety of styles. Browse, bid, and take home a unique handmade textile. Proceeds benefit Navajo weavers and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology. Purchases are tax-free.

There will be a preview event on Friday, Nov. 16 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology. Admission is free and open to all. 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 Mary Hermans at 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.

For those who are interested in volunteering, people are needed at the rug auction on Saturday, Nov. 17 from noon – 3 p.m. Volunteers are needed to model and set up rugs in the lineup. Call (505) 277-1400 or email Mary Hermans at mhermans@unm.edu.