Deliberately stalling and prolonging the moment before announcing the winners for the 88th Santa Fe Indian Market awards at the Santa Fe Convention Center, Bruce Bernstein was loving the suspense.

As audience members squirmed in their seats and artists waited nearby, Bernstein, executive director of the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts, finally announced the Best of Show winners: Navajo metalworkers Daryl and Rebecca Begay.

In a collaborative effort as husband and wife, their silver concha belt, Return from the Long Walk, also took top honors in the jewelry division.

"This is truly a blessed feeling," said Daryl Begay, humbled by the recognition.

Daryl Begay explained that each of 15 figures on the belt represents a significant figure in the history of the Navajo nation, as well as some who were influential to the Begay's personal development as artists.

Conceived as a timeline, the buckle for the Begay's belt features Mount Taylor and a group of tribal members returning to their homeland from the Long Walk. Other figures are a warrior, a code talker, a silversmith, a cowboy, sports players, and a mother with cradleboard symbolizing the next generation. The Begays also included their grandfather and grandmother, the latter of whom was known as the Navajo Mother Theresa for her giving ways to the Navajo nation.

In a moving moment in acknowledging the Begay's achievement and, in turn, the entire Indian Market experience, a member from an Hawaiian delegation to Indian Market sang a song of praise and blessing in her Native tongue. This was followed by another Hawaiian blowing a conch shell in traditional fashion.

The gesture captivated a standing-room-only crowd of artists, various dignitaries, collectors, and interested visitors. When completed, many had tears in their eyes, including the Begays.

Before announcing the award winners for this year's juried competition, Bernstein pointed out that more than 1,100 pieces of artwork in a variety of media by approximately 500 artists were submitted to the 50 judges, comprised of artists, collectors and museum curators. He also stated that prize money this year amounted to $87,000.

Among the award winners was Barbara Ornelas of the Tábaahá Clan, who won the Best of Textiles and Basketry division. "I've been involved with Indian Market for the last 25 years and won the top award in my division in 1987 and in 1991," she said. "I felt I had to try again and I'm, of course, very happy."

For her acceptance speech, Ornelas stated that "When you see my weaving, you see me; and when you see me, you see my weaving; we're one and the same." She also said that through her work, she has been able to put her husband through pharmacy school and supports two children in college.

"This is always a great event," said Bernstein. "It's about friendship, creativity, and community; and I'm privileged to preside over such a special event. But after tonight, all hell breaks loose; tomorrow is controlled chaos."

Contact Douglas Fairfield at dfairfield@sfnewmexican.com.