The Navajos most likely learned how to weave from their Pueblo neighbors in the 1600's, and have been weaving on the same type of loom ever since. They use an upright loom that has no mechanical parts, so each strand of wool is laid in by hand. This unique device produces a finished product with four closed selvage edges - there are no knots to break or unravel. It is a very time-consuming style of weaving, which is why Navajo weavings are not inexpensive.

There have been changes in the yarn that the weavers use over the years. While handspun and home-dyed wool was common in earlier days, commercially dyed and spun yarns date back to the 19th century. Such yarns are the norm today. Some weavings are a combination of handspun and commercially spun yarn as well as natural wool colors and home-dyed yarns, depending on the availability of the yarns and colors the weaver wants to use. We suggest skepticism on your part if a store or trading post tells you all of their rugs are handspun and vegetal dyed (plant dyed).

The beauty of Navajo weavings is apparent in the weaver's selection of color and design. Equally important is technical excellence: straight edges, balanced patterns and even, tight weaving.

Joann Begay pictorial weaving
An old-time Navajo scene.
17" long and 17" wide
$260.

Red Mesa variant, circa 1950
Much more muted than most Red Mesa weavings.
57" long and 40 1/2" wide
$2600.

Daisy Nakai Ye'ii weaving
The Ye'ii are supernatural beings to the Navajo that also appear on Navajo sandpaintings used in Navajo healing ceremonies.
30 1/4" long and 24 3/4" wide
$975.

Navajo Storm Pattern weaving, circa 1945
An interesting variation on the traditional Storm Pattern.
56 1/2" long and 40" wide
$2100.

Annabelle Teller Burntwater weaving
Lovely brown tones.
48 1/2" long and 34 1/2" wide
$2400.