The Ice Caves Trading Post proudly displays an extensive collection of artifacts, all of which were found on the Candelaria property. This collection has been preserved, protected and on public display at the Trading Post for over 50 years. Most of the pieces were recovered by David Candelaria himself. Other pieces were found by friends and family. Most of the collection was collected in the 1940's and 1950's. Very few artifacts have been found since. During the 1970's, the area saw a rash of pot hunting and looting of artifacts. Thankfully, the Candelarias had the foresight to recover and preserve the artifacts, making them available for public display today.

The Ice cave was a valuable resource to the ancient Indians. In fact, a number of major trade routes passed right through the property. The property contains a number of ancient camps that they used as they made their way along these routes. As such, these artifacts, most likely, were camp wares used when in the area and were left behind to use as they would come and go. Most of the pottery represents artifacts from the late Anasazi period through the early Pueblo periods. They are so well preserved due to the fact that they were found in surface features of the lava flow. Another interesting feature of this collection is the fact that there is a variety of types of pottery. This would indicate that the people of this time maintained a wide trading area.

We have photographed a number of these artifacts and put them on display here on the web site. Below is a thumbnail gallery of some of the artifacts, click on any of the pictures below to display a larger view. Over the years, we have had a variety of feedback and input regarding these artifacts, but we have found a number of inconsistencies in this data and are not qualified to determine the accuracy of these accounts. Thus we have chosen not to include any specific information pertaining to the age or origin of any individual artifact. We would be happy to hear from any experts and their ideas and opinions of particular artifacts. Click the e-mail link below to offer your input.

Please note: The artifacts pictured below are displayed for educational purposes only, they are NOT available for sale.