History of Navajo Weaving:

Navajo weaving is a unique Native American art form produced on upright looms by this Southwestern tribe. In the mid 1500's, the Spanish brought thousands of sheep to the area and the Navajo adopted the animal and developed large herds. At the same time and in close proximity to the Navajo people, the Pueblo Indians were weaving cotton. As the Spanish infiltrated the New Mexico area, the Pueblo Indians fled to the hills to live with the Navajo. The Navajo adopted the weaving style of the Pueblo people but began using wool instead of cotton. By the 1950's, trading posts had been set up on reservations and the Navajo rugs were sold commercially to an ever-rising demand for their product. Today, it is rare to find a weaver who raises her own sheep, dyes her own wool and uses all natural dyes from native plants. When considering a purchase of a Navajo weaving, buy the best weaving you can afford. It is better to purchase one quality piece than several lesser pieces. We have brought you a selection of artists whose work is well-known as well as innovative in their design and use of newer patterns. If you have a special request for any particular artist, we are more than happy to search for a similar work by the artist if it is not shown on our site.

Recommended Reading:

• Navajo Rugs: How to Find, Evaluate, Buy and Care for Them, Don Dedera, Published in 1996 by Northland Publishing
• Song of the Loom: New Traditions in Navajo Weaving, Frederick Dockstader: Montclair Art Museum, Published in 1990 by Trade Cloth