meet the artist
Joe Candillo
Tribally Enrolled Native American Artist Pascua Yaqui
My name is Joe Candillo and I am a tribally enrolled citizen of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona (Federally recognized tribe). Ever since I was a child I have had a great passion for Native American material culture. This passion lead me to intensely research and learn a number of Native American material culture traditions throughout the United States.
Today I specialize in making both Native American historic as well as pre-Euro historic material culture. Making an item for me requires a well seated understanding of the tradition of making the item. This being said, utmost care is given to each piece I make utilizing traditional natural materials that coordinate with the time period and culture the items were traditionally made.
I have extensively studied many Native American material culture techniques from a number of fellow Native people from a multitude of cultural regions throughout the United States.
Furthering my study of these traditions, I am also well seated in the Western school of thought having my PhD in American Studies (concentration on Indigenous Studies), a Masters Degree in American Indian Studies, and an undergraduate degree in Anthropology.
I also greatly enjoy teaching about a multitude of topics related to Native Americans throughout time. In my teaching I represent and support authenticity in voice and in the traditional arts I make. I am proud to say that much of what I represent in both my arts and in teaching about Native Americans comes directly from Native American communities and fellow Native craftspeople with a long standing link to their artistic and cultural traditions.
I have created traditional material culture items for numerous collectors of fine Native American works as well as a number of State and National museums such as the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian) and Meadowcroft Rockshelter. I have also made period specific material culture items (props) for national film projects. As a formally trained educator I have taught classes in Native American studies for a number of Universities.
In addition, I’ve presented in many venues to diverse audiences including school and scout groups, academic conferences, civic groups, festivals, museums docents, and national/state historic sites. My favorite topics on which to present include Native American material culture, traditional arts, spirituality, ecology, and aboriginal living skills.
I am an advocate of authenticity and the traditional arts. Each original piece I create is made by intensely researching style and material culture techniques in association with a particular time period and cultural region. I am highly respectful of original works of art and DO NOT reproduce original pieces. I also do not sell “sacred” objects which have been used in a ceremonial context. Although aesthetically much of my work appears to have an antique appearance, the items I make are integrally fully functional. Thank you for joining me in appreciating authentic Native American traditional arts!
How I work
I typically cater to collectors of authentic Native American art.
If you are interested in authentic Native American art of this quality please take a look at my galleries by category using the links below. When you find an item of interest, take note and contact me if you would like to commission the production of a similar piece. If you are in the market for a unique piece, I can also work with you to create a one of a kind.
Gallery
True Native American art is Native American made
All of the items featured here are certified AUTHENTIC NATIVE AMERICAN HAND-MADE arts and qualify as such under guidelines set forth in the Indian Arts & Crafts Law (P.L. 101-644).
Thank you for supporting REAL Native Americans and our many sacred material culture traditions.