Navajo weaving has a long-standing tradition, with its origins dating back many hundreds of years. One of the most significant developments in Navajo weaving history came with the introduction of the J.B. Moore catalogue and the subsequent rise of the Crystal style of weaving. This blog post explores the fascinating history of the J.B. Moore catalogue and the evolution of Navajo Crystal style weavings, which continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts to this day. The Origins of Navajo Weaving Navajo weaving is a centuries-old art form that began around the late 1600s when the Navajo peop ..read more

Moki is a Navajo weaving style characterized by Indigo Blue and Dark Brown bars. Starting in the 16th century, the Spanish began introducing horses, sheep, and textile weaving to the Pueblo tribes in the Southwest (eg. Hopi and Zuni). The Navajos had adopted the practice of weaving by the 1700s, if not earlier. This is considered the beginning of the Classic Period of Navajo weaving.     As the practice of weaving spread, indigo blue dye (derived from the indigo plant) became a popular trade item from the Spanish to the Navajo. This paved the way for the Moki design to emerge. The ..read more

All of our rugs are woven by Navajo weavers, most of whom live traditionally on the Navajo Reservation located across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This is the largest American Indian Reservation in the country, some 16 million acres with over 400,000 Navajos. From the inception of weaving by the Navajos around 1700, weaving has provided an important economic benefit to the tribe and a fine outlet for their artistic talents. Their rugs are made in the weaver's home or hogan on vertical looms using the same methods they have used for the past three hundred years. Today in the Southwest, t ..read more

YEI “Yei” (pronounced “yay”) is the Navajo name for the benevolent supernatural beings who bring their healing power to medicinal ceremonies still performed today. In fact, they were first portrayed in traditional sandpainting designs created for these ceremonies, but the modern Yei rug is more of a pictorial composition, showing a row of the front- facing stylized stick figures. Between the Yeis cornstalks, feathers and arrows may appear, and a Rainbow Guardian often surrounds and protects the figures on three sides, indicating the sandpainting roots of this particular style.   YEI-BE ..read more

Sedona Monthly Magazine, Spring 2006, story by Monica Galvan Enchanting wonder, inspiring beauty, and ancient secrets... ...the Southwest can be a mesmerizing, absorbing territory. Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of the Southwest is the striking presence of beautiful Navajo rugs, which have become a characteristic mark of the people, culture and landscapes that comprise the Navajo Reservation. Spanning some 16 million acres across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, this reservation is the largest in the country, and it is home to some of the finest artists in the world. Here in Sedona ..read more

Navajo Rugs are extremely durable. When well-cared for, a Navajo rug can last for a hundred years or more. Many of our antique weavings were woven in the 19th century, and many are still in excellent condition. Read below for our recommendations on cleaning, display, and storage of your Navajo weavings to ensure they stand the test of time. When properly cared for, your Navajo weavings can be passed onto your children and grandchildren in the same condition you now enjoy them. Click here to more about the history of Navajo rugs, how they are made, and how to select your weaving. Cleaning Never ..read more

Charlene Laughing is known for her incredible Navajo Weavings. Her most popular designs include intricate Crystals, sharp Blanket Revivals, and landscape Pictorials. Charlene's Crystal weavings are predominantly made with hand-dyed wool using vegetal / plant based dyes. Dyes she often uses include wild carrot, yellow onion skin, mistletoe, walnut shells, brown lichen, indian tea, Lipton tea, coffee ground, Tabasco sauce, and rabbit brush. The process of hand-dying wool is time intensive, but it gives a weaver more control over her colors and encapsulates a more traditional overall we ..read more

The Storm Pattern is a well-known Navajo rug style often associated with the western reservation, the Storm Pattern appears to have originated at the Crystal Trading Post. The trader there, J. B. Moore, published several catalogs and sales leaflets at the beginning of the twentieth century. His “Plate IX”, obviously a Storm Pattern but not labeled as such, was first printed between 1903 and 1911. The Storm Pattern is not built around a central diamond, but is a very recognizable geometric composition with a strong, often rectangular central element connected by diagonal stepped lines to eleme ..read more

FATHER SKY AND MOTHER EARTH, A NAVAJO CREATION STORY The first creation of the Great Spirit was Father Sky and Mother Earth, from whence all life sprang. The crossing of their hands and feet signifies the union of heaven and earth, bound eternally together by the Rainbow Guardian. Regardless of in which direction we may look, we find sky and earth fused as one on the horizon. The physical earth and sky or mind must function together to produce new life. All things are conceived first in thought before they become physical manifestations. This is the meaning of the line ..read more

Photo ©Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Edward S. Curtis Collection 1904   From the inception of Navajo weaving around 1700, weaving has provided an important economic benefit to the Navajo tribe and a fine outlet for their artistic talents. Today, Navajo rugs are made in the weaver's home or hogan on vertical looms using the same methods they have mastered for over three hundred years. Without pencil and paper or outlines, Navajo weavers' minds unfold complex designs in their wool rugs. Since 1976, Garland's has worked closely with top Navajo weavers and collected ..read more