Traditional Navajo Weaving Techniques Inspire Collectors at Garth`s Auction
Released on: March 19, 2008, 9:12 am
Press Release Author: Rosemary McKittrick
Industry: Internet & Online
Press Release Summary: LiveAuctionTalk.com founder Rosemary McKittrick covers art, antique and collectible sales weekly in her column.
Press Release Body: Santa Fe, March 19, 2008--Seated on a sheepskin outside her Hogan the Navajo weaver sings and prays as she weaves her blanket in front of an upright loom. A baby strapped to a cradleboard rests nearby.
When she started out her patterns were simple. Over time they grew dramatic as though inspired by unseen hands.
Some young Native weavers today are asked to go outside amid the early morning dew and search for a spider's web. As the first light of day glistens through the strands they're told to place their right hand on the webbing. If they can do so without harming the web, the belief is the gift of weaving will flow into their spirit forever.
Originally the Navajos made their own dyes from roots and plants. Some of the brilliant red color seen in older weavings actually came from Manchester, England through trades.
The women spent hours unraveling threads in the red cloth to use in their own designs. The tightly woven and boldly patterned weavings have earned worldwide attention.
On Nov. 23 & 24 Garth Auctions, Delaware, Ohio, featured a selection of Navajo weavings in its auction. A Transitional Eyedazzler with an overall diamond design; two figures and also crosses at the center sold for $6,038.
A Yei Be Che Weaving with two pairs of blanket dancers surrounded by a sawtooth border brought $4,600.
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