Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Southwest Antiques & Native American Art
Morning Star Traders has been a trusted name in Southwest Indian arts and antique furniture since the 1960s. Founded by Rick Rosenthal, a University of Arizona graduate who began trading directly with Native American artisans, our gallery has grown into Tucson's premier destination for authentic antique jewelry, pottery, baskets, and Spanish Colonial furniture. With over 50 years of continuous operation, we maintain deep connections to the communities we serve, purchasing directly from artisans on reservations to preserve cultural heritage and support local economies. Our expertise extends to rare collections like Rick's 50-year curation of Navajo and Pueblo silver buttons, recognized for their historical significance.Mary Beth Rosenthal, a former art director, joined in 1996, bringing strategic business acumen that expanded our reach through online shopping while maintaining our commitment to authenticity. We actively participate in trade shows and cultural events, ensuring every piece we offer meets our standards of quality and provenance. As recipients of the 2016 Tucson Small Business Excellence Award for Jewelry, we combine institutional knowledge with personalized service to help collectors and enthusiasts discover unique treasures that tell the story of the American Southwest.
Services
Antique Jewelry
Native American Pottery
Spanish Colonial Furniture
Zuni Fetishes
Vintage Fred Harvey Jewelry
Cowboys and Indians Art
Navajo Textiles
Kachina Dolls
Religious Artifacts
Decorative Arts
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in Southwest Indian arts since 1960
- Direct purchases from Native American artisans
- Museum-quality antique furniture collection
- Award-winning expertise in vintage jewelry
- Online shopping with physical store experience
What people say
Best store of its type
Museum-quality pieces
Authentic artifacts
Expert knowledge
Trusted source
Services
Antique Jewelry
Specializing in Navajo, Pueblo, and Hopi silverwork since 1960, we offer authentic pieces from the 1880s to 1930s. Our collection includes stamped silver, turquoise settings, and rare button collections directly sourced from Native American artisans. Each item comes with provenance documentation.
Native American Art
Curating pottery, baskets, fetishes, and textiles from Arizona and New Mexico reservations. We maintain generational relationships with artists to ensure cultural authenticity. Featured works include Zuni carvings and Navajo weaving traditions dating to the early 20th century.
Spanish Colonial Furniture
Offering rare Spanish Colonial and WPA-era furniture from New Mexico. Our collection includes handcrafted pieces from the 1800s, featuring traditional techniques and materials. Each item undergoes authentication to verify period craftsmanship and origin.
Vintage Fred Harvey
Preserving 1930s Navajo-made jewelry from the Fred Harvey era. These historic pieces represent the intersection of Native American craftsmanship and railroad-era tourism. We provide expert appraisal and restoration services for vintage collections.
Decorative Arts
Curated selection of religious art, Kachina dolls, and Mexican decorative pieces. Our inventory includes cowboy memorabilia and 'Cowboys and Indians' themed artifacts. Each item is ethically sourced with documented collection history.
People
Rick Rosenthal
Founder
University of Arizona graduate who began trading with Native American artisans in the 1960s. Built Morning Star Traders into Tucson's leading Southwest art gallery. Recognized for his 50-year curation of Navajo silver buttons.
Mary Beth Rosenthal
Co-Owner
Joined in 1996 with art direction background from major corporations. Expanded online presence while maintaining traditional trading practices. Authored children's book about Southwestern culture and co-manages daily gallery operations.
Questions
What types of Native American jewelry do you specialize in?
We focus on Navajo, Pueblo, and Hopi silverwork from the 1880s-1930s, including stamped pieces, turquoise settings, and rare button collections directly sourced from artisans.
How do you ensure authenticity of antique pieces?
Our 50+ year relationships with Southwest artisans and documented provenance for every item guarantee authenticity. We personally visit reservations to purchase directly from creators.
Can I shop your collection online?
Yes, our website features a curated selection of antique jewelry, pottery, and furniture available for online purchase with secure shipping options.
Do you offer appraisal services?
We provide authentication and appraisal services for vintage Southwest art, including Fred Harvey era jewelry and Spanish Colonial furniture.
What makes your Spanish Colonial furniture unique?
Our collection features handcrafted New Mexico pieces from the 1800s, verified for period authenticity using traditional construction techniques and materials.
Reviews (5)
Mary Sunne
Feb 24, 2024
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Great place to find that feature you need! Rugs (Native American), fine art, native jewelry, beautiful pots. Totally off the beaten path but worth it!
Jeff Feroglia
Feb 22, 2024
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Ordered a Zuni fetish online as a Christmas present. It arrived in a timely manner with excellent packaging. I would definitely ordered from here again.
Martha Wiedemann
Nov 25, 2020
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Friendly and knowledgeable staff help you explore a high quality mix of Native arts and Southwest furniture.
Marilyn Acosta
Dec 31, 2018
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It's only open a few days a week but we were very lucky and they were open on a Saturday. We walked around 2 floors admiring jewelry, textiles, carvings, and other treasures. Everyone there was kind and helpful which is great because we had a tough time making a decision on which piece we wanted to bring home. We were also lucky that there was a 20% off sale going on. We were visiting from out of state, but they were able to securely pack our purchase so that we could carry it home. Worth a visit if you are in the area.
Hannah Soltys
Feb 04, 2018
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Love this place! they have great jewelry, at a wide ranges of prices (even affordable for a college student). Super unique and beautiful stuff and a great selection of vintage.
