The art and craft of weaving among Native American communities has existed for thousands of years—serving as a direct avenue for a means of storytelling—in addition to functional purposes. This special section, featuring available to purchase textile artworks, offered by galleries and shops that specialize in Native American artworks, includes pieces that not only depict fascinating cultural stories translated through design, style and color, but through the very technique employed to create items like rugs, tapestries or blankets. Skill, perseverance, tradition and so much more glides through the hands of the weaver, making way into the very heart of each individual piece.
Sandbar Trading
This Third Phase Chiefs Blanket, circa 1890s, is considered by collectors to be the most aesthetic of all of the chief’s blankets—found to be very expensive in the 1800s. And while they are called “chief’s blankets,” it was only the wealthy, typically tribal leaders or other individuals with disposable money, that could afford these masterpieces. This blanket measuring 58 by 40 inches, is unique in how the diamond design is arranged. In most third phase blankets, the diamonds come out of the lines into the wider line area. With this blanket, the weaver kept the diamonds within the smaller lines.
839 Paseo de Peralta, Ste. K, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, (316) 655-7477 rick@sandbartrading.com, www.sandbartrading.com
Toadlena Trading Post
This textile, circa 1935, depicts the eighth night of the nine-day Navajo Nightway ceremony when groups of Navajos dress up impersonating the Yei’s (Holy People) and dance through much of the night. This dance is called the Yei bi chai. In this image, the four figures are humans who are emulating the actual Yeis. The dance, although part of a healing ceremony, is considered a very popular social event and usually attended by many hundreds of Navajos. The piece measures 50 by 56 inches, and is made of all native handspun wool, in original condition. The design inspired by noted weaver Yanabah Simpson.
Highway 491 and N19 Newcomb, NM 87455 (505) 789-3267, toadlena@hotmail.com, www.toadlenatradingpost.com
Winfield Trading
Beth Bitsui, a Navajo rug weaver from Salina, Arizona, has dedicated over 60 years to her craft. Born into the Manygoats Clan and raised in the Bitterwater Clan, she began weaving at just 9-years-old to help support her family. Her first rugs sold for $6.50, and she would spend 12 to 13 hours a day at the loom, weaving from morning until evening. Through her artistry, she raised four children while maintaining a traditional Navajo way of life. Her lifelong dedication to weaving reflects not only her skill and perseverance but also the deep cultural significance of her work. The rug pictured here is in the Ganado style, measuring at 50 by 38 inches.
1830 State Highway 602 Gallup, NM 87301, (505) 778-5544 www.winfieldtradingco.com
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