History, culture on display

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, May 6, 2009 | by Janice De Jesus

ALAMO -- Kachina dolls, totem poles, masks, headdresses, baskets, mortars and pestles and hundreds of other artifacts comprise Don Phelps' vast collection.

While some of the treasures have been exhibited in local art shows and museums, Phelps' permanent exhibition of American Indian art has been displayed at his Alamo home. The den of Phelps' house, which he fondly refers to as the "Indian room," has become a makeshift museum.

Phelps, who's had a lifelong passion for collecting American Indian art, will be showing part of his collection at the Native American Indian Art and Antique Show on May 16-17, at the Alamo Women's Club.

The show will feature American Indian artists from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California making and selling their traditional arts.

Artists include a Zapotec traditional rug weaver, a Cheyenne flute carver and renowned musician, Navajo jewelry artisans who will also be available for repair work, and a Navajo family who makes their traditional fry bread.

There will also be American Indian traders selling both new and antique works of art such as baskets, fetishes, totem poles, pottery, antique weapons, kachina dolls and more.

"I want them to not only sell their wares at the show but also be able to talk to people and show them how to make their art," said Phelps, who teaches Native American studies at Saint Mary's College.

Phelps developed an interest in American Indian art when he was a child. His aunt, who was an historian in Nevada City, introduced him to the culture and history -- a passion the two still share.

"Every time I go up, she still gives me California baskets made by the California Indians," he said.

Since childhood, Phelps has been amassing a collection of artifacts at various events, buying, selling and trading pieces and meeting numerous members of various tribes through the years.

Phelps said he's fascinated with the history behind each work of art. Ivory sculptures made of walrus tusks, for instance, are used for storytelling. Iroquois false face masks were used for healing purposes. Totem poles also have a colorful, vivid history, he said.

"Look at the intricate carvings on this piece of wood," Phelps said, holding a totem pole. "They only use cedar. I appreciate the history behind these objects -- where it was made, when it was made, what purpose did it serve for Native Americans, was it spiritual or utilitarian?"

Phelps doesn't collect artifacts just for the sake of owning them. His lifelong mission has been to share American Indian history and culture with children.

For years, Phelps, who was a longtime educator with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, has been visiting fourth- and fifth- graders in local schools to share American Indian history and show some artifacts from his collection.

He has also accompanied students on school camping trips to share stories about folklore, and said he's willing to visit to any school to talk about the American Indian culture.

"I bring my California Native American stuff and the kids just love it," Phelps said. "I love it."

He has also helped put on local shows to promote the culture, inviting some Native Americans he has gotten to know through the years.

"I thought it would be a nice opportunity for the kids and parents to meet Native Americans, learn about their art and talk about their culture," Phelps said. "The rug weaver will personally weave rugs for you using the native patterns -- you choose the color."

Shows give the public a chance to see history come to life, Phelps said.

"Native Americans are still alive today. They're not just in history books," he said. "They go to schools, churches, dances, they work, but they keep their customs. They try to keep their heritage through their artwork. You're not just buying a totem pole. You're buying a story of the artist's history."American Indian heritage-- WHAT: Native American Indian Art and Antique Show-- WHEN: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 16; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 17-- WHERE: Alamo Women's Club, 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo-- COST: $3 admission for adults; free admission for children under 12-- INFORMATION: Call 925-837-4996