![]()
Waddell continues an Indian arts and jewelry trading business that was
started in the early 1940’s by his parents. Their trading post, the West Y, was
in Gallup, New Mexico. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, their business focused on mining,
prospecting, and brokering and selling turquoise. Some of the turquoise mines that
operated during that time period were Bisbee, Blue Gem, Castle Dome, Kingman, Lone
Mountain, Morenci, and #8.
![]()
In 1973, Gene and his wife, Ann, began a labor of love
with Waddell Trading Company, dealing in fine Indian arts and jewelry. In the 1980’s,
they began to focus on the best quality in Indian jewelry and developed a reputation
of dealing with the finest Hopi and Navajo artists. Many of these artists have won
numerous ribbons and awards at various prestigious shows.
![]()
Waddell Trading Company
has participated in many exhibits and shows throughout the country, and have been
mentioned in various books and magazines. Gregory Schaff, Ph.D. lists Waddell Trading
Company as one of the favorite places to buy turquoise jewelry in Natives Peoples
Arts & Lifeways Magazines. Photographer Jerry Jacka acknowledges Waddell Trading
Company in his award winning books Beyond Traditions and Enduring Traditions and
states, “Over the years, Waddell Trading Company has established a reputation for
representing the finest Hopi and Navajo artists. Their meticulous attention to detail
is evident with each artist and I can always rely on them to provide the best in
Native American art.”
![]()
Waddell Trading Company stocks a large selection of the finest
cut and polished turquoise, coral, lapis, and sugilite, from which the artists can
select. Gene guarantees the authenticity of each piece of jewelry while maintaining
the quality of workmanship, materials and value.
Books and magazines that Waddell Trading Company and their artists have been mentioned in are as follows:
| • |
American Indian Jewelry by Gregory Schaaf |
| • |
American Indian Art Magazine autumn 1993 |
| • |
Arizona Highways November 1992 |
| • |
Arizona Highways February 1999 |
| • |
Art of the Hopi by Jerry and Lois Jacka |
| • |
The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry by Theda Bassman |
| • |
The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry by Theda Bassman |
| • |
Beyond Tradition Contemporary Indian Art and its Evolution by Jerry and Lois Jacka |
| • |
The C.G. Wallace Collection of American Indian Art by Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. |
| • |
Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 1 by Merrell American Craft Museum |
| • |
Enduring Traditions Art of the Navajo by Jerry and Lois Jacka |
| • |
Hallmarks of the Southwest by Barton Wright |
| • |
Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market March 2004 |
| • |
Hopi Silver the History and Hallmarks of Hopi Silversmithing by Margaret Nickelson Wright |
| • |
Native Peoples Arts and Lifeways Magazine Sept/Oct 2003 |
| • |
North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment by Lois Dubin |
| • |
South Western Indian Jewelry by Dexter Cirillo |
| • |
Treasures of the Zuni by Teda Bassman |
| • |
Turquoise Unearthed by Joe Dan Lowry and Joe P. Lowry |
Waddell Trading Company has participated in the following exhibits:
| • |
American Craft Museum in New York City, New York in 2002 |
| • |
American Museum of Natural History “Totems to Turquoise” in New York City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles in 2004 |
| • |
Jewelry of the Southwest at the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe, Arizona in 2002 |
| • |
Jewelry of the Southwest at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2002 |
| • |
Charles Loloma exhibit at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico |
Waddell Trading does annual shows at the following museums:
| • |
Buffalo Bill Museum’s Patrons Ball in Cody, Wyoming |
| • |
Eitlejorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana |
| • |
Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles, California |
| • |
Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| • |
Indian Craft Shop at the Dept. of Interior in Washington, D.C. |
| • |
Southwest Museum in Los Angles, California |