On June 3 in San Francisco, Bonhams will sell the first part of the Jim and Lauris Phillips Collection at its Native American auction, led by a second phase Navajo blanket (1850-1880).
 The Navajo were renowned for their fine textiles, which are now some of the most valuable native American artefacts |
The collection makes up more than half the lots in the sale, with fine textiles, kachina dolls and historic pottery offered. Also selling is the Phillips' basket collection, which will be spread out between this and future sales.
The blanket is estimated at $40,000-60,000. It was once part of the renowned collection of native American dealer Maria Chabot, and later, Anthony Berlant, and is published in Berlant's seminal book The Navajo Blanket (1972).
The second phase blanket is joined by a child's wearing blanket and a third phase chief's blanket from the Navajo, as well as fascinating pictorial and transitional textiles. Earlier this year, Sotheby's announced that it will offer the Andy Williams Collection of Navajo Blankets, which is one of the foremost collections of native American textiles in the world.
Many of the bowls offered in the sale originate from California, with the most anticipated lots including five baskets from the Chumash people, who inhabited the southern area of the state. The highest estimate is held by a fine example at $15,000-20,000, while another will follow at $12,000-15,000.
The Phillips Collection also includes eight Hopi vessels made by the master potter Nampeyo, some of which are estimated at $20,000-30,000. Another highlight will be provided by a Yokut gambling tray from the William Randolph Hearst Collection, which is valued at $20,000-30,000.
On March 21, an auction dedicated to African American culture will sell photographs of the Buffalo Soldiers, who fought against the native American tribes during the Indian wars.
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