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Rex Arrowsmith Pictorial Collection

 Collection
Identifier: PICT-2019-011

Scope and Contents

The collection contains photographs, post cards, stereoscopic cards, and other pictorial material focusing on New Mexico, the Southwest and Native Americans (Pueblo, Navajo, Hopi, and Sioux). Photographs and post cards depict places and scenes around New Mexico, including towns and cities; churches and religious sites; Native American people, places, customs, and art works. Materials also depict people, places, and scenes in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Mexico.

Dates

  • 1876-1982

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for copyright compliance. Permission is required for publication or distribution. For more information see the Photographs and Images Research Guide and contact the Pictorial Archivist.

Biographical Information

Rex Arrowsmith, longtime Santa Fe resident and Indian trader developed an early interest in American Indian culture and began collecting artifacts at an early age. He received a degree in mining and metallurgical engineering from the University of Kansas. In 1959, he opened Arrowsmith Relics of the Old West in Santa Fe, across from the oldest church. He was one of the last of the "true Indian traders" who would take trips to the reservations, and Puebloan, Hopi, and Navajo friends would come to his trading post to do business. He expanded his business in 1972, establishing the Arrowsmith-Fenn Gallery on Paseo de Peralta (Santa Fe). Eventually, he and his wife sold their interests in the gallery and travelled the world. Arrowsmith was active in organizations including SWAIA, The Old Santa Fe Association, El Rancho de las Golondrinas, Indian Market, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. Rex Arrowsmith died in 2017 at age 92.

Source: Santa Fe New Mexican

Extent

1041 items (6 boxes) : 514 photographs, 437 post cards, 13 post card packets, 70 stereoscope cards, 1 pamphlet, 2 note cards

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection contains photographs, post cards, and pictorial material collected by Rex Arrowsmith, and focusing on New Mexico, the Southwest and Native Americans.

Physical Location

B2. Filed by Pictorial Number
Title
Rex Arrowsmith Southwestern Pictorial Collection, 1876-1982
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
CSWR staff
Date
© 2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
  • 9/21/2021: RMOA import review complete
  • 20221017: Finding aid enhanced to "processed" status.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451