Navajo Artwork (0)

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Navajo Artwork
Navajo Artwork
The Navajo are well-known for their many crafts including weaving of blankets
and rugs, silversmithing, basketry and sandpainting.
Authentic Navajo art or handcraft consists of handmade items produced by a
Native American craftsperson, using high-quality, natural materials that are not
machine stamped.
The Navajo people are regarded as being the pioneers of Native American art.
They are particularly renowned for their rugs and unique silversmithing
techniques. They were also pioneers when it came to basketry and are
recognized the world over for their basket weaving skills.
Rug Weaving
Commercial production of handwoven blankets and rugs has been an
important element of the Navajo economy.
Rug weaving is another traditional Navajo art form. Navajo women believe the
art of weaving was taught by Spider Woman, who constructed a loom
according to directions given by the Holy People.
Anthropologists speculate Navajos learned to weave from Pueblo people by
1650.
Navajo rugs and weavings have gone through an evolution, the earlier
weavings were influenced by legends and represented meaningful events in
their lives.
The Navajo rugs are in demand by the many tourists and collectors who visit
the reservation each year.
Two predominant colors in the Navajo weaving designs are indigo blue and
red. Other colors often used are greys, shades of browns, yellows and golds.
Navajo rugs are one of the most popular crafts, not only for a floor rug but to
hang as a wall tapestry.
Silversmithing
Silversmithing is an important art form among
Navajo.
Silversmithing dates back to the 1800s when
Navajo artists began melting silver coins to
make jewelry.
By the 1890s, Navajo silversmiths had begun
setting turquoise into their jewelry. Navajo
smiths began adding large chunks of stones,
usually turquoise, to the silver in unique
designs.
Over time, they developed tools and techniques
to stamp or engrave the metal.
Today, Navajo jewelry is well known and highly
valued by both Native and non-Native
Americans. It remains a distinctive feature of
Navajo history and culture.
Basketry
Navajos are also known for their basket work.
They believe the First Man and First Woman made baskets
for ceremonial purposes.
Each part of the basket has a very distinct meaning.
Like Navajo textiles, only women generally make baskets.
Some Navajo baskets have specific symbols and colors,
such as a red design to represent darkness and clouds, and
a black triangular layer to represent all of the Holy People.
The four Sacred Mountains are represented by a black
triangle.
Different tribes use different materials, weaving techniques,
basket shapes, and characteristic patterns.
Sandpainting
Traditional sandpainting, considered a sacred art, is important
aspect of Navajo art and culture.
Sandpainting consists of images and patterns created with
colored sand.
These usually depict the deities of the Navajo but also plant and
animal symbols.
There are two very distinct and very different forms of Navajo
Sand Paintings. First is the traditional "sacred" sand paintings,
performed by a Medicine Man, as part of a healing ceremony.
The second form of Navajo sand paintings is the one often seen
today. The Navajo sand paintings seen today in museums,
shops and galleries all contain purposeful errors, as the real
sand paintings are considered sacred.
The Navajo have a special talent for creating beautiful sand
paintings. Each genuine Navajo sand painting is a one of a kind
creation. Authentic Navajo sand paintings are popular and
highly sought.