MINERVA TEICHERT: RUG MERCHANTS, 1935, OIL ON CANVAS

Minerva Teichert painting titled: Rug Merchants

Growing up in Idaho, near the Shoshone-Bannock Reservation, Minerva Teichert's fascination with Indigenous peoples developed into a lifelong passion. Her artworks portrayed Native American life through a lens of deep respect and idealization, capturing a nostalgic essence of their historical past. In one of her paintings, we see Indigenous weavers showcasing their exquisite textiles while a trapper, reminiscent of characters from the early nineteenth-century fur trade, examines the rugs and baskets on sale.

Minerva drew inspiration for this particular piece from historic Native American rugs, which she had the opportunity to observe in a friend's collection. She noted, "This friend knows the West very well and acquired these rugs or blankets long ago when there were many excellent things to choose from. I have witnessed scenes like this before the exploitation of the Navajos had reached such a level. It is like a vibrant bazaar in the desert." The adjacent rug displayed alongside the painting exemplifies the impeccable craftsmanship of the Navajo people, showcasing the role of both commerce and tourism in popularizing these exquisite rugs.