essay

Navajo ceremonial-pattern weaving and its relationship to drypainting

navajo religion and culture: selected views (17) • Published In 1982 • Pages: 68-74

By: Rodee, Marian E..

Abstract
Although the origins of ceremonial-pattern weaving are admittedly obscure, Rodee suggests that they were probably derived '…to provide ethnologists and other interested visitors with a record of a drypainting [sandpainting] that was a bit finer and more decorative than the usual drawing' (p. 72). Prior to 1883, when the first ethnographers began to work with the Navajo, no ceremonial rug is known. Around 1910 commercialization of the design form depicting the Ye'iis and other religious and mythological figures, began in earnest. Traders frequently suggested to the Navajos particular forms which they believed would be more appealing to White customers. The bulk of the source describes the various changes in designs, materials and values of these rugs from the early 20th century to the early 1980s.
Subjects
Woven and other interworked fabrics
Representative art
culture
Navajo
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1986
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
ca. 1890s-1960
Coverage Place
Navajo Indian Reservation; New Mexico, Arizona, United States
Notes
Marian E. Rodee
Includes bibliographical references (p. 74)
LCCN
81086446
LCSH
Navajo Indians