Arthur W. Erickson, Inc.

Arthur W. Erickson, Inc. Established 1974

Specializing in old Native American arts and artifacts: basketry, beadwork, jewelry, and more.

We specialize in Old Native American Art and Artifacts, Tribal Art and Unusual antiques from around the world

08/29/2026

Collecting art, antiques, and beautiful objects is a basic human need for those of us with exquisite taste.

Portland Oregon | Native American antiques | collecting | indigenous | PNW

An uncommon item in the collecting market, men’s belt pouches are often rather sought after, and this one is a fabulous ...
08/28/2026

An uncommon item in the collecting market, men’s belt pouches are often rather sought after, and this one is a fabulous example of why they’re such a collectable item. Rather large in overall size, this pouch features an exquisitely beaded scene on the front flap. An elk stands tall in the middle of the scene and an eagle swoops in from the upper hand corner, both featuring great little details like the elk’s tail and hooves beaded in white and the eagle’s talons done with a contrasting black bead. The beads are very small and some are faceted, or cut, which makes us think this bag originated in Eastern Washington or was perhaps made by a Nez Perce beader. The pouch itself is a very thick, hard leather and is in very good condition.

Measuring 8” long and 7 ⅝” wide.

$2850.

Arthur has chosen to feature this new piece that we just got in. It’s a really special little creation, and there’s no b...
08/28/2026

Arthur has chosen to feature this new piece that we just got in. It’s a really special little creation, and there’s no better word to describe it but Arthur’s own:

How many seals have you heard whistle? I bet not many. Well this one does. The first thing I did when I bought it is blow a long whistle through his mouth. What fun! And that is what this fellow is. He pudgy with short front flippers and black inlaid eyes. He has that wonderful yellowish color of old ivory (which he is). He has a large hole in the middle of his belly. I would guess he was intended to be on some kind of a stand but I don't know. He is going to be a really good addition to any collection....and he can whistle. You are going to like this fellow.

4 ½” long, c. 1940s.

$395

08/26/2026

Maximalism to the tenth degree over here!! How else gets joy from being surrounded by incredible thing? Bring on the art, the antiques, and the stories!

This beautiful basket was made by a talented weaver from the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, also known as Panamint or Panamint...
08/26/2026

This beautiful basket was made by a talented weaver from the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, also known as Panamint or Panamint Shonone. The Timbisha people inhabited the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada and Coso mountains, the Panamint Valley, and Eastern Nevada pre-contact. The Timbisha of Death Valley called themselves Nümü Tümpisattsi (″Death Valley People″; literally: ″People from the Place of red ochre (face) paint)″ and go by Nümü, or “the people”. This group is known for some of the finest, tightly-coiling basketry on the continent and this basket is a perfect example of that. The stitches are even and tight on this basket, and the design features a staggered square design of black and red. This basket is also nicely shaped, and a great addition to any collection of Timbisha works, or a wonderful place to start such a collection.

4” tall, 11 ½” long, 6 ½” wide, c. 1900s.

$1850.

When we think of survival tools, we often consider a knife to be the most important thing. And perhaps it is in temperat...
08/26/2026

When we think of survival tools, we often consider a knife to be the most important thing. And perhaps it is in temperate climates where the land is overgrown and shelter must be constructed from trees and bushes. But in the harsh environment of the arctic, where the very temperature can end your existence in minutes, it is not the knife that reigns supreme, but the needle. A sewing kit is important than a knife, more coveted than food, and more crucial than medicine within Indigenous arctic communities, because a simple inconvenience like torn clothing is much more life threatening in the cold.

This sewing kit is incomplete, but is still an outstanding piece of material culture. We see the needle case, thimble, and leather needle storage. When this piece was in use, the woman would have kept her copper, iron, or bone needs pierced through the leather strap that runs through the casing and one of the toggles on that leather strap would have been used to attach the kit to her amauti, or outer coat. There would have also been an awl with this kit and sinew thread. This kit is in fabulous condition and the highly decorated surfaces of the case and thimble show just how much art is a part of everyday life for Indigenous communities.

Total length 9", walrus ivory tube 3" long.

$675

sewing history antiques

While we often see highly decorated beadwork as more desirable, there is something beautiful about the simple design on ...
08/23/2026

While we often see highly decorated beadwork as more desirable, there is something beautiful about the simple design on this vest. The thick elk hide is a beautiful buff tan and acts as a perfect backdrop for the bright red roses. Sparkling brilliantly, the design on this vest is very reminiscent of old school country and western wear, like the designs of Nudie Cohn and his clients Roy Rogers and Porter Wagoner. This vest is also very fitting for the City of Roses, and we do love having it in the gallery, but can’t wait for it to find its forever home.

The beader may not have encrusted this garment in tiny beads, but that does not diminish from the fabulous gradient in the flowers, or the loom beaded trim accent. This piece is still very wearable for vintage clothing enthusiasts.

Dated to the 1930s, 24” long, available on our site.

$875

indigenous art historical

08/22/2026

We won't be forgetting this year's Whitehawk show anytime soon. . . Take us back to Santa Fe 💔😭

This basket effortlessly captures a simplicity in its minimalist design that feels like a content sigh for the eyes. The...
08/21/2026

This basket effortlessly captures a simplicity in its minimalist design that feels like a content sigh for the eyes. The craftsmanship of this basket is careful and measured, and though the design is built around lines and bands, it remains just as engaging as other, more complex baskets. The simple design of this basket, between both the motifs and the shape, allow the skill of the weaver to really shine and we can take a moment to truly appreciate how the beautiful texture that the natural fibers create. This is a wonderful addition to any basket collection.

$325. Available on our website.

Made in the 1930s, this double sided bag is deceptively large! Measuring 10” long by 8 ½” wide, the woman who made this ...
08/20/2026

Made in the 1930s, this double sided bag is deceptively large! Measuring 10” long by 8 ½” wide, the woman who made this bag decorated it with some excellent beadwork. One side features a fabulous geometric design reminiscent of mountains and stream, and the other a portrait of an elk in glittering cut beads. The geometric side has an impressive symmetry to it, and the color work between the blues and the yellow is very pleasant and contrasts beautifully to the elk on the other side. The elk is much more organic in the beadwork, and features some very subtle contour beading in the head. We also love how the elk sparkles in the light. Overall this is a fabulous piece and we can’t wait for it to find a new home.

$425. Available on our website.

Address

528 NW 12th Avenue
Portland, OR
97209

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+15032274710

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Arthur W. Erickson, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Arthur W. Erickson, Inc.:

Shortcuts

Share

Category