K.C. DenDooven remembers . . .

Tom Bahti

Personal Friend

Never forgotten and forever missed

Tom had a keen wit and a sharp mind. Even today I can remember how quickly he could use a single word to create a double meaning and instant humor. When his wife, Peggy was expecting their first child, Tom was asked if he wanted a boy or a girl and he replied in the silent expectation awaiting his answer . . . , ,
"Yes."

Navajo jewelry, American Indian Tribes, Southwest Indian, Zuni, Hopi, pottery, basket-weaving, rugs ... Tom understood and was able to explain to others what the important issues were.

Tom Bahti began his career in Indian arts in 1949. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in anthropology and began to use his education and intellect as well as his love to share the American Indian culture with the world. Tom and his wife, Peggy, opened Ghost Ranch Trading Post. In Tucson, he opened Tom Bahti Indian Arts in 1952. In 1966 he authored the first general introductions to the work of artist of the region--Southwest Indian Arts and Crafts, it was the first of a trilogy of books - Southwest Indian Tribes and Southwest Indian Ceremonials, that together have sold over a million copies. (they were revised and expanded by his son in 1977.)

Tom was more than a business partner, he was more than a friend. Tom was in fact my brother-in-law. My first wife, Alice, was Tom's sister.

I knew him well.

Tom is a nationally recognized as an authority on arts and crafts, and culture of Southwestern Indians. He was also deeply involved in the future of the people of the Southwestern Indian tribes. He understands Navajo jewelry, the Zuni, Hopi, and other tribes.

Native American Indian pottery, jewelry and baskets of the traditional Navajo, Hopi, Pueblo, Zuni and others were never clearly identified and categorized for the buying public until K.C. DenDooven and Tom Bahti first published "Southwestern Indians Arts and Crafts" in 1964. The publication rapidly became the Bible for serious collectors.

Included in the publication was a map still used today of Indian Reservations of Arizona and New Mexico and contemporary designs. DenDooven and Bahti were ahead of their time.

The book became to start of the Story Behind the Scenery Book series on National Parks.

Southwestern Indians Arts and Crafts is still in print today. Mark Bahti, like is father has kept active in Native American Arts and Crafts and keeps the book current for K. C. Publications -- the publishing company that K.C DenDooven began over 40 years ago.