ROGER NAYLOR 2023-10-19 04:08:21
For the Navajo, weaving is not just an art form but also a spiritual journey. They believe the knowledge itself for this intricate process was given as a gift from one of their most important deities. The Navajo, or Diné, as they call themselves, were taught to weave by Spider Woman. Spider Woman used her power to protect the people and help them find their way in the world. She holds a special place in Diné culture. Her husband, Spider Man, built the first loom out of sky and earth cords, with weaving tools of sunlight, lightning, crystal and white shell. Weaving is a tradition passed down through generations. Often imitated but never equaled, Navajo rugs and tapestries are timeless works of art. Each labor-intensive weaving is created on an upright loom continuing a sacred tradition that becomes even more important amid a rapidly changing world. Prized for their quality, craftsmanship and evocative patterns, Navajo rugs adorn homes all over the world. They capture the imagination because of their beauty and the life experiences contained within. Navajo weaving does not follow an exact pattern. Each is a unique expression of the weaver, but there are regional characteristics. Beginning in the late 1800s, traders encouraged craftspeople to weave rugs and blankets into distinct styles. That’s still how many of the rugs are identified today. Some of the most recognizable styles include Two Grey Hills, known for intricate geometric designs and exclusive use of only natural wool colors — gray, beige, brown, cream and black — produced in the carding of the wool. Ganado rugs feature a deep red background. The striking “Ganado red” is usually contrasted with black, white and gray elements. The central motif often includes a large diamond or connected diamonds, with smaller terraced designs in each corner all enclosed within a black border. Klagetoh rugs are similar to Ganado but with a reverse color scheme. Woven on a gray background with red accents, the Klagetoh also highlights a large central motif. Both Ganado and Klagetoh styles were developed at two Arizona trading posts, each owned by John Lorenzo Hubbell. Another distinctive style that started in Arizona is the Burntwater rug. The last of the regional styles to evolve, Burntwater rugs originated in the 1960s. They combine the design elements of bordered rugs with a beautiful array of pastels and earth-toned colors from native vegetal dyes. Many rugs are not defined by regional styles. Yei weavings represent the benevolent deities of the Diné. Ye’iibichei rugs portray a line of masked dancers impersonating the Yei in healing ceremonies. The dancers are traditionally depicted in profile. Pictorial rugs are those that incorporate representational images of people and objects into the design, reflecting the world as the weaver sees it. WHERE TO BUY AUTHENTIC NAVAJO WEAVINGS Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise Locations in Window Rock, Chinle, Kayenta, Tuba City and Cameron. Teec Nos Pos Trading Post Teec Nos Pos Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site Ganado SEE IT IN ACTION Iva — Hopi name Honwynum, which means Female Bear Walking — weaves two traditional Hopi baskets, the coil (poota) and the sifter (tutsaya). “I love weaving,” she says. “It’s meditation for me.”
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