What's In It for You?
Well, it is up to your interpretation. We are talking images in Navajo weavings. It is said that only 1% of Navajo weavings from the late 1800's to present have pictorial images. If pictorials or weavings with pictorial images have been off your list, you might want to re-think the design style.
Starting in the 1870's weavers were encouraged to move away from weaving only wearing blankets to weaving rugs, items for the tourist trade, commission pieces and more. As time passed weavers began to incorporate personal expression. Objects they saw or imagined would make their way into a weaving. It could be something as simple as letters of the alphabet, numbers, spiritual image or an object they saw. What do the images mean? That is where interpretation comes into play.
Below is a selection of weavings with pictorial elements. Click here to view our entire pictorial collection.
Transitional Pictorial Navajo Weaving: Historic : JV 109 : $ 9,000
Yei Foxtail Navajo Weaving : Historic : 1939 : GHT 2168 : $ 9,500
Double Navajo Saddle Blanket : Antique : JV 102 : $ 6,500
Pictorial - Squaw Dance Navajo Weaving : Juanita Tsosie : B-13 : $10,000
Teec Nos Pos Pictorial Navajo Rug Weaving : 24 Cans: PC 14 : $ 19,500
Germantown Masonic Pictorial Tapestry : Navajo : Historic : PC 4 : $ 18,000
- Beth Barth
