An Earthquake. A journey. A collection.

Traveling to Morocco a week after the September earthquake, we had no idea what to expect. Engineers had declared our hotel in Marrakech safe. Our guide in the Atlas Mountains promised the roads would be open, clear, and safe. The best thing we could do for Morocco was to travel there, they said. Tourism had taken a big hit.

African Origins

Archeo has specialized in museum-quality, African art since opening. Originally, our staff traveled to villages (in Mali, Burkino Faso, the DRC) to purchase masks and artifacts from tribal leaders. 

The Influence of Ancient Persia

On a recent trip to the sprawling city of Los Angeles, I was reminded of how much culture thrives in this West Coast metropolis. Along the busy streets, banners announced a special exhibit at the Getty Villa Museum, Persia: Ancient Iran and the Classical World. As Archeo Gallery is filled with hand-knotted Persian Gabbeh rugs, I knew this exhibit was one I had to see. What I didn’t realize is how connected this history is to our incredible collection of Philippe Spencer fine jewelry.

Ready, set, travel!

Like many of you, we wondered where the next adventure would take us when we could again adventure. While we imagined crossing an ocean or two, we settled for crossing the country…all the way from Key West to San Francisco!

Collaborative Consulting: A full renovation

Some might assume that a design challenge or opinionated customer sets us on edge, but in fact it’s the opposite. We love hearing, “This might not work, but…” or gathering photographs, measurements and preferences that narrow down the range of choices. Creativity within the context of restraint is very real!

Small Feats

That Key West real estate is precious and in high demand is no secret. Many residents manage to live in remarkably small spaces––which is easier when you’re able to spend a lot of time outdoors, but does discourage hoarding and frippery. Every item has to count and contribute and mean something. What a great lesson for us all.

Something New, Something Old

It’s the proverb recited to brides on their wedding day, but with a twist. The new represents optimism. The old represents continuity. All day, every day now, we need both in spades.

Gatherings from the San Francisco Tribal Arts Show

 In what seems like a long time ago in a faraway land but was really just February in San Francisco, Margit attended the 34th annual Tribal Arts Show at the Fort Mason Center. The purpose was to put a finger on the pulse of tribal art—specifically African—and to score some quality pieces.

Gabbehs, Then and Now

When we landed in Tehran in November 2016, we held up passport control for two hours, then waited an hour for our luggage. Exhausted, we wondered, what are we doing here? Is this ok? These thoughts never occurred again.

Discovering the High Atlas Collection

We’re so excited, and proud, to present our High Atlas Collection of Imazighen rugs, distinct for their two-in-one rug techniques, flat weave and shag.  The designs include tattoo symbols (moon & stars, snake, honey cake), and the dyes, like Gabbehs, are derived from plant materials. The green, for example, comes from henna and mint. The red, from poppy. We think you’ll love the collection as much as we do.

Wanderlusting

Although Archeo stayed open through September and October 2019, most of our staff spent the time traveling––culminating in a staff buying trip to Morocco by way of Portugal. We’re all by nature travelers...

90 Miles Back in Time

Cuba - the architecture, the music, the cars, the cigars. The island is legendary.  Living so close, we feel the presence of the island's influence...