Richard Sutton - Native American Culture - Native American Culture - Cultures

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Expert Profile: Richard Sutton

Expertise: As a direct reservation trader in all aspects of American Indian arts since 1985, I've answered questions regarding cultural property issues, origins of traditional crafts, materials and techniques, collecting, authenticity, symbols and, of course, repairs!

Experience in the area
My primary focus is on Southwester American Indian Nations and their people, but I also have experience in Plains and Northeastern traditions, having engaged in active trade and retail since 1985 and study for most of my life.

Publications
I was a guest on Fox Network "Lifestyles" program, during the 1990s, to discuss how to tell forgeries, and authenticating jewelry as Native American work. I have also written extensively for our website, www.kivatrading.com and our Ebay Store.

Education/Credentials
UofO, 1970

Ask a Question	View Past Answers	View Ratings

What do you like about this subject? I've been a student of American Indian culture and arts since my earliest childhood. Growing up in the West, we were surrounded by people of American Indian heritage -- many of my classmates were "Indian" kids. I've always held a deep respect for any culture that can withstand occupation and still flower.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? As long as my ears remain open, I hope I'll absorb new information -- I'll also try and remember to keep my mouth closed when it is appropriate, as it's hard to learn when you're talking!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: Navajo silver smithing is a recent art form. When the Navajo people were taken by the US Government in 1864 to a remote, hostile location in Southeastern New Mexico to re-settle, they had to rely upon the Army to supply them with their needs. Metal smithing was learned during their captivity, from Mexican tack workers who taught tooling and simple fabrication to a few eager to learn Navajo men.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject The issue of just what constitutes "cultural property" pervades discussions of American Indian arts, especially discussions of authenticity. Cultural property is recognized in objects and symbols that have sprung from a specific indigenous culture, and associated with their spiritual and religious beliefs.

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 290
Knowledge	9.67 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	9.89 Best of the best
Timeliness	9.67 Best of the best
Politeness	10.0 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		5
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		26

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	08/26/08
10	10	10	10	08/26/08
7	10	10	10	06/05/08
10	10	10	10	05/07/08
10	10	9	10	05/01/08

User Comments

Thank you, would like to mail you pictures.
(shirley on 08/26/08)

Thank you so much Richard for taking the time to research these products for us. I really appreciate your time, knowledge and very informative inform
(Christie on 08/26/08)

Very helpful
(Kay on 05/01/08)

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Ask a Question	View Past Answers	View Ratings

Recent Answers from Richard Sutton

2008-08-24 PHOTO I HAVE: I received the images and responded yesterday, but in case you didn't get my response, the name of the colorist and the face of the subject are not familiar to me. The clothing is reminiscent of traditional...

2008-06-09 hawk: I've had a lot of folks ask hawk-related questions lately, and the first thing that comes to mind is how effective ending the use of DDT as a crop insecticide has become! Red Tails and Peregrines were...

2008-05-06 rugs and pottery: You need an appraisal. It takes an experienced eye to determine the origin, quality and "saleability" of American Indian art, as well as an up-to-date understanding of the condition of the markets and...

2008-04-25 beaded basket: Your item sounds very beautiful, and in my experience, very unusual -- in fact, I have never seen anything like it, although it is very hard to comment upon an handmade object without seeing it first hand...

2008-04-10 possible and other bags: Betsy; Not a hobbyist myself, I would recommend you spend some time at local museums that exhibit American Indian crafts to get ideas, and measurements. I do know Tandy Leather -- they may still have...

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