Native American Vendors Program of the Palace of the Governors

It is always fun to walk through this area and see what the vendors are offering. They have a good selection of items and some of the items are beautiful. Just because they are selling their wares on a blanket on the ground doesn’t mean these are costume or cheap. In fact some of the items were on the expensive side. If nothing else walk through and enjoy the view.

Hit or miss as the selection varies from visit to visit.
While etiquette allows for some bargaining on the price, don’t go crazy this isn’t a yard sale, or a damaged goods clearance sale, you shouldn’t try to get anything at half off. These are hand made crafts/​art, be mindful, and if you want ask how will lower they’ll go for cash, and of that amount is good enough for you suggest a fair price that you will pay, and accept if they don’t accept your counteroffer.
If you want to be judgmental about someone’s behavior then focus on the buyers, inconsiderately bumping into one another, not leasing there dogs, or minding there children, while being loud.
Three stars for the tourists — four stars for the artisan/​craftspeople.

Bring cash. Bring cash. Bring cash.
A lot of silver. A lot of copper. A lot of beadwork. Talk to the vendors and get to know who did the handiwork and where the stones are sourced from. Typically, they give you their card inside the little jewelry baggie which tells you all about the artist, etc. Nice touch.
I have to give 3 stars because after a while, it all started to look the same. The ladies rings looked like stone rings you can purchase at the local fashion store. In other words; they didn’t all of them seem very original to me. Also, I had to look closely on some pieces because the clasps and strands looked like they could break easily. Prices are higher than what I would pay normally.
I support this government program. And I appreciate the beautiful work. I am glad I stopped by and bought a few things! But I cannot say that this was Out of This World for me.

Beautiful handmade creations for – what I think are– affordable prices. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would recommend.

If you are looking for truly authentic Native American jewelry or handcrafted items this is the only place in Santa Fe to visit.

Whenever I’m in tourist locales and enter the businesses that sell «authentic» locally made art or jewelry, I always wonder how much of the money actually goes to the makers. Then there’s also the concern about fake jewelry. Here you don’t have those worries nagging your conscience. You can speak directly to the Native Americans who made the bracelets/​earrings/​neckalaces and ask them about each piece, what the symbols mean, and how each was made. Each vendor is registered. The one caveat I suggest is to bring cash because (a) some of the vendors may not accept credit/​debit, and (b) even the ones who accept credit may offer you a lower «cash price». If you like something and think that you were able to negotiate a fair price, then go ahead and buy it because there is no guarantee that the same seller will be there tomorrow. Spaces are given out each morning by lottery so the vendors could change each day. We did purchase a few items as gifts, but quite honestly, most of the time my wife and I spent was just talking to the artisans about their creations.

Love it.
There are so many different individuals to buy jewelry from on the side of the plaza. The area is shaded and each artist has a badge identifying them as a registered native craftsman. There is everything from jewelry to crafts. They do not pressure you to purchase and the whole process is so calm.
Many of the artists accept credit cards but some are cash only. They will also bargain with you especially if you purchase several items.
You get to purchase items that support native people and you meet the artist. Can’t get any better than that.

Buying jewelry from the Indians here allows the artists to keep all the profits from selling their products since they pay no rental fee for their space. First come first serve, basically, for the spaces.
Don’t be shy about asking about commissioning custom pieces. Randy Hoskie, one of the Navajo silversmiths made me a beautiful pair of custom earrings the size of a small match box in sterling with the Zia design and a turquoise stone in the center. My idea that he perfected. I had previously bought two gorgeous belts from him that I would have surely paid twice for in one of the upscale shops around the plaza and certainly on Canyon Rd. Ask for him by name, he’s usually there. He’s fabulous: Randy Hoskie.
Also, «Indian» is used here, not «Native American». Notice that the museums and cultural centers around the state use «Indian» and it is certainly not considered derogatory or disrespectful. Most Indian refer to other Indians by their tribal affiliation: Navajo, Zuni, Jemez, Isleta, etc.
Santa Fe is second to none. I know I’m biased because my family helped found the city of Santa Fe (Spanish decent) but it’s culture is world renowned and totally unique. Sopaipillas and green chile. It doesn’t get any better then that. And if you see natillas on the menu. Order it. It’s a Spanish light, fluffy custard and is delicious. A few places will serve what tastes and looks like Jello puffing but natillas is totally different, light an airy topped with cinnamon or nutmeg. Also try bizcochitos and pastelitos, other sweets that are unique to New Mexico that have Spanish origins.
Santa Fe is a world class destination, something very unusual for a city this size and you’ll come across people from all over the world and a lot of celebrities Fun!

Wonderful characters. Bring cash as you have slightly better bargaining power. It seems the savvier and pricier vendors are the ones that also accept CCs via Square.

One of the reviewers commanded me to come to these vendors to buy jewelry so I did. :)
Love my silver bracelet and it is hand stamped on the inside by the artist I bought it from! Way cooler than a generic shop on the square.
Check these artists out first.

I’m a true believer in supporting artisans and cutting out the middleman. The work of the vendors here is top quality and gorgeous. The prices are fair for the work though, so don’t expect to get things cheap! The vendors have everything from silver, turquoise, beadwork, rugs, copper (even guitar picks!) and breathtaking multi-​stone inlay work. The vendors are super friendly and are pleasant to talk to. Even if you’re not in Santa Fe to shop, you should still go just to see the impressive craftsmanship.

This outdoor market takes place in front of the Palace of the Governors (a historic building constructed by the Spanish before the Pilgrims even arrived in the Mayflower!). I must confess I was expecting the prices to be a little cheaper than they were. However, when you compare to all the surrounding art galleries and shops, their prices are in line or even a little below. And the level of quality is the same and higher. Only difference is that these artists don’t have the money to afford their own store or the connections to get space in a gallery. And how cool is it to buy something that you know was hand made, most likely by the very person sitting on the blanket in front of you. I bought a pair of earrings made from a certain kind of turquoise that looks more golden brown than it does… well, turquoise. They are really pretty. And the lady who sold them to me also showed me a piece she had saved from the rock she cut them out of. And she had a photo album of her working in her studio and described her whole process. It was pretty neat.
Even if you are in town for only a short time, don’t miss this!!!

I command you to visit the Vendors Plaza.
Ever since watching Pow Wow Highway (
) back in the day, I’ve always wanted to see and experience this world famous gathering place of Native artists.
Forget the impersonal & swanky gift shops/​galleries – they will mark up Native art tons, you don’t get to meet who makes what you’re buying, and you aren’t directly supporting the actual artist.
Buy local and from the source: check out the art & work of the Native vendors at the Palace of the Governers (on sidewalk across street from Plaza).
This is simply a must see/​do when in Santa Fe. You’ll find all sorts of items here ranging from tons of cool southwestern jewelery, paintings, sterling silver guitar picks, etc. You’ll find anything for your artistic tastes & have tons of options for gifts.
Vendors set up on the sidewalk. Check out every vendor first and then go back to the ones who had stuff you really liked. Most of the vendors I met were really nice, and really liked talking about their work. It was cool to chat with them and see the pride in their work. This made the art purchasing ceremony even cooler!
I can’t remember if most/​all vendors were cash only, but keep that in mind when you go (if need be, there are ATMs nearby). Support and enjoy Native art!

The Native American Vendors program is fabulous and one of a kind!
We have come here several times, whenever we’re visiting Santa Fe. But particular on the weekends, when it seems to have the most vendors on display in the Plaza.
We really admire the artistry of the Zuni people. It’s just their use of silver, turquoise and red coral that truly impresses us. Since each First Nation people has their own distinct style, it would be important to identify which one you are drawn to, such as Pueblo, Zuni, Hopi, Navajo and so on.
We would highly recommend that you visit several times, over different days to find the vendor who’s work attracts you most. In addition, the Plaza has several jewelers, our favorite being «Santa Fe West Galleries»
to browse. As you will find, every piece is unique!
Enjoy the hunt!

I like turquoise and silver at least as much as the next girl, so though I rarely seek out souvenirs when I travel, I knew I wanted to leave Santa Fe with something blue and pretty.
I’d seen the Native American Vendors Program listed on Unilocal,but we ran into it while strolling around downtown Santa Fe. You can’t really miss it if you’re exploring the area at all. I’m not sure what the hours are, but I can’t imagine they’re anything but extremely tourist friendly. Just look for an outdoor corridor with a couple dozen seated vendors displaying their goods.
We browsed at our leisure, and not a single vendor put pressure on us to look closer or buy. Jewelry comprised about 90% of the goods on offer, and I enjoyed looking at all the pieces. Near the end of my browsing, a cluster of silver bangles with turquoise and silver beads caught my eye. The vendor behind them was a middle-​aged Native American woman who was gruff in a friendly, approachable way. I asked if I could try on a bracelet, and she gave me a few different ones that she said were right for my wrist size. She was helpful, and she seemed to take pride in her jewelry, which she made herself. The sticker price for the bracelet was $ 45, and though I suspected we were supposed to haggle, we didn’t know for sure and didn’t want to bother. The bracelet was well worth $ 45, and the lady was nice enough that I didn’t mind the idea of overpaying by a few bucks.
Matt B. bought me the bangle, and I have worn it pretty consistently over the last couple weeks. It was a lovely present and souvenir, and I’m happy we did our shopping here. (Window shopping in other stores in downtown Santa Fe quickly taught us that turquoise and silver can get stunningly expensive.) I’ll be sure to check out the Native American Vendors Program any time I find myself in Santa Fe.

They were packed when we made our way over to them. Tons of people looking at all the wares and talking to the Native Americans. We didn’t actually buy anything, but there was a ton of cool stuff on display. I could have definitely seen buying some stuff if we could have made our way through the throngs of people!

If you love turquoise and silver this is the mother load. Of course there are other things, but jewelry is the major attraction. I personally love to go see the wears, but am not much of a haggler so always feel a bit sheepish about making a deal.
The Indians are really friendly and will chat you up whether you buy or not. It does get really busy and the aisle gets packed!
It is a must when in Santa Fe, however! Go and check it out.

Beautiful craftwork. I loved everything I bought. High quality jewelry and artwork made by Native Americans. It’s easy to buy things that look Native American, but it’s really made in China. Check some of the blankets in the less scrupulous tourist shops – you know who you are. Everything sold through this program in front of the Palace of the Governors is made by someone who has a license to sell. Great program. My copper bracelet and two leather bracelets are really cool and reasonably priced!
BTW – It was snowing cats and dogs when we were there and the front of the Palace was still jam packed with vendors! YAY!

The Native Americans who display their wares in front of the Palace of the Governors are a unique contribution to New Mexican culture. Turquoise, kachinas, pottery, earrings– an astounding array. It’s very relaxed and meditative. The outdoor setting helps the ambiance. In the summertime, their silver is brilliant in the implacable sunshine. The sun accentuates everything. In the autumn, one can smell piñón burning in fireplaces.
The Native American vendors program makes sure you get legitimate art rather than fake knock-​offs. Sellers come from pueblos near and far, bringing their uniqueness. One gets to meet the artists themselves-​after all, Santa Fe is a city of artists.
The Native American vendors also make the Santa Fe Plaza special. There are two Southwestern stores off the Sonoma Plaza (one of them is ironically named Santa Fe Mercantile), but they’re not the same.
New Mexico, with its indigenous culture, makes it the Land of Enchantment.

Saw an article that said something like 85% of Native American art is sold out of New Mexico. On a recent scouting trip, some of the finest examples of new crafts were to be seen (and bought) at this market run by and for local Native American tribesmen.
This is the real deal straight from the artisans. No haggling allowed (its considered offensive but don’t worry the prices are amazingly good).
This is really the place to shop if you want the real deal as there are tons of knock off places to be seen all over Santa Fe. The artisans must get permission from their tribal counsels to sell in this market to keep quality high.
Recommended.