Pictorial Weavings of the Navajo [SOLD]

Pictorial Weavings of the Navajo

Nancy N. Schiffer

Schiffer Publishing Ltd, West Chester, PA

Softcover, first edition, 1991, 64 pages, fully illustrated in color of 191 Navajo pictorial textiles

Navajo weavers have made pictorial rugs since the turn of the last century.  Perhaps they can be categorized as Navajo folk art, but they are rugs in the sense of technique.  They include scenes from everyday life of the Navajo—animals, landscapes, spelled-out words, inside and outside hogans and ceremonial subjects such as sand paintings.

From the Inside Cover

Sometimes referred to as a Navajo folk art, these representations of recognizable objects occasionally [sic] have been designed into Navajo weavings at least since the middle of the nineteenth century. Unlike the geometric designs of more traditional Navajo rugs, these delightful pictorial images include scenes from everyday life, animals, landscapes, spelled-out words and designs of ceremonial significance.

The pictorial weavings are shown through hundreds of color photographs which include new as well as older examples. Here are familiar and imaginary animals, birds, people, religious designs and multiple weavings of fantastic detail. They convey, through dynamic color schemes and bold designs, images important to the Navajo weavers: the light and happy reflections of their scenic lands. The pictorial rugs are arranged chronologically within design groups to demonstrate the evolution of styles.

Whenever known, the weavers are identified by name and region. It is their creativity that breathes life into these pictorial images and conveys the lively spirit of their lives.