By Elizabeth R. Rose
Touring
the Authentic Trading Companies To enter a genuine trading business or retail store that trades with local Native populations is an experience in commerce that has its roots in Indian trade before the 1900’s. And, for most of these Gallup businesses, the families have been trading with locals for generations.
When I was in Gallup, I visited several trading companies. They were bustling with business, both with Native Americans pawning or selling their goods to the traders and with tourists and collectors buying genuine Native arts and crafts. The atmosphere inside these businesses reminded me of stories about the old trading days when Navajo families might travel for several hours and spend a day or two in town. They would spend an entire day at the trading post selling wool, trading blankets and jewelry to the trader for food supplies and clothing, exchanging stories with friends or neighbors seen only on these occasions. Trading Posts were developed to meet a need in the Native American communities. In the Gallup area, the Navajo culture is a matrilineal culture, meaning that heritage and valuables are passed through the women’s families. Many women on the
Richardson Rugroom
38 August 2016
of Gallup
reservation own the sheep and the homes. Valuables are in the form of saddles, jewelry, and animals. This was unfamiliar to banks but completely acceptable to the traders who understood the Native American culture. Today, the local Native Americans come to trading companies to pawn goods or sell them outright to the business. Native Americans who pawn their family possessions, jewelry, guns, and saddles, do so for two reasons. One it is a way to get a loan to see them through a lean season. Another is to safely store treasured possessions when they aren’t being used. Trading posts found in areas close to Native American reservations may be the real thing or, unfortunately, they may be just another souvenir shop. “Real” trading companies conduct ongoing business with local Native Americans on the basis of respect and trust. Beware that many souvenir shops use the term “Trading Post” and may sell “Indian type” foreign goods. There is a clear difference between the two types of businesses. Here are some real businesses that offer authentic Native American goods: RICHARDSON TRADING COMPANY Most visitors to Gallup are familiar with Richardson’s on old Route 66. Just looking at the artifacts and goods in the windows is intriguing. We were given a tour by a long-time employee and got some insight into the trading business. We were told that over 95% of the items pawned were paid on and were considered “live pawn.” “Dead Pawn” is what you see for sale, only a small percentage of
Pawn Window
what people entrust to the trading posts to be stored. Richardson’s is one of those places with a long history where you can easily spend hours looking at memorabilia, watching business being transacted, and deciding on items to buy. It’s a living museum. Richardson’s has an extensive rug room with over three thousand authentic, hand woven Navajo rugs to choose from. The staff is knowledgeable and willing to educate and answer questions. Address: 222 W 66th Ave., Gallup, NM 87301. Phone 505.722.4762 PERRY NULL TRADING COMPANY Perry Null’s is yet another Gallup company with a history. Perry Null has been in the trading business since the 70’s having taken over the business from the Tobe Turpen family. Perry Null’s is another store that is a feast for the eyes. You’ll often see collectors from Japan or Europe looking for special items. At Perry Null’s there is a good