Thrilling Visit to the Navajo Nation

Our German friends were offered a rare opportunity to visit the Navajo Nation where they met Master Navajo Weaver Julia Upshaw, Master Navajo Weaver Kathy Marianito and Master Navajo Weaver Jalucie Marianito.

The Marianito Family is known best for their Chief Blankets. To see more of their incredible weavings click here...

Our friends made it just in time to wear these chief blankets before they left the Navajo Nation for the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery. This photo was taken in Buffalo Springs New Mexico.

Still Available! Churro Chief Blanket # 1389, Lucie Marianito

Questions? Please contact us at nizhoniranch@gmail.com or 520-455-5020.

Jan 22, 2018
Ben Schmid

Blast to the Past! Don't Miss This Great Article Published in March 2004!

We enjoyed re-reading this article written and published in 2004. Rarely do things stay the same - we are proud to be an exception!

Questions? call 520-455-5020 or email info@navajorug.com

Money is not the only motivation for couple to preserve Navajo rugs

By SHELLA JACOBS
Arizona Daily Star

Tucson, Ariz (AP) -
Steve Getzwiller is trying to keep alive what is becoming a rare commodity in the art world: Navajo rugs.

Getzwiller and his wife, Gail, run Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Sonoita, which displays and sells contemporary rugs and historic weavings. The Gallery is open by appointment only.

Demand for the rugs is climbing at a pace that is outstripping supply because the number of weavers in the Navajo Nation has been declining. The Getzwillers are trying to keep the art alive by hiring Navajo women to weave rugs from their home.

The 45 women who work on the rugs he sells are paid based on the size, the fineness of the weaving, and the complexity of the design. They receive payments as they weave so they can take on larger projects that sometimes take months to complete.

The weaving process is laborious and time-intensive and can take a year to make four 4-by-6 foot rugs or just one that measures 9 by 12 feet.  And the sales are good.

With the weavings becoming more scarce, retailers and collectors say it isn't unusual for rugs that sold for $200 to $300 about 30 to 40 years ago selling for more than $10,000 today.

The Getzwillers have seen sales rise 10 percent to 15 percent every year since Steve opened the business 30 years ago. But he says keeping the culture alive - not the dollar signs - is what keeps him inspired and what has kept his business going.  "My main objective is to maintain the highest quality possible" he said. "I have no intentions of trying to mass-produce, even if it were possible, and it's not."

His interest in Indian art and culture is deeply rooted in his life. As a boy, his best friend's father was the director of the Amerind Foundation, a museum located about 65 miles east of Tucson.  The director, Charles DiPeso, introduced him to Navajo textiles, basketry and pottery collections.

Although Getzwiller studied anthropology at the University of Arizona, his exposure to Indian culture as a young boy ultimately inspired him to work with their community.  His relationship with DiPeso enabled him to visit the Navajo Reservation frequently, where he continues to meet and cultivate connections with weavers he can hire.

The "weak link"

After taking some resource management courses nearly a decade ago, Getzwiller set out to identify what he calls the "weak link" or what he needs to improve to make his business flourish. That weak link, he said, was the materials used in the weavings. Improving their quality would lead to finer weavings.

Instead of trying to boost the quantity of what was becoming an even more valuable collector's item, he set out to reintroduce materials Navajo weavers had rarely worked with since decades ago. Getzwiller gave them natural dye and wool from Churro sheep, which are considered rare in the Southwest.

He also began selling the rugs directly to consumers instead of to galleries and stores. That makes it easier to allocate more of his profits to the Navajo weavers, Getzwiller said. While Getzwiller didn't disclose specific figures of their paychecks, he encourages the Navajo weavers to pursue their artistic ambitions by generally paying them what they ask for.

"The problem that we face today is it's a declining art form, less prevalent as a product in terms of quality pieces," Getzwiller said.

Jan 18, 2018
Ben Schmid

Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Makes a Splash in Splash Magazine

Valentine’s Day Home and Garden Gift Guide Over $100 – Gifts to Enhance Your Home

FEATURED IN JANUARY 14, 2018 GIFT GUIDE BY MARIA DENSLEY

Two Grey Hills Navajo Weaving by Rona Begay

Give a bespoke gift seeped in tradition with this handcrafted Native American weaving. Designed by a Navajo artist from the Two Grey Hills region using an upright loom with all-natural colored wool in warm gray and deep browns...

To read the full article

*Note: this weaving has been sold. To view available Two Grey Hills rugs click here.

Questions? call 520-455-5020 or email info@navajorug.com

Jan 16, 2018
Ben Schmid
Tags: News Two Grey Hills

Collection stories intrigue crowd at exhibit opening

In addition to being one of the leading Navajo and Native American art collectors, Steve Getzwiller knows how to spin a tale so that his audience yearns for more. That's the best kind of story teller.

Steve spoke to the crowds at the opening sessions of the One Trader's Legacy exhibition at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wicksburg. Read the whole story here.

Read about the museum exhibition here.

WESTERN VIEWPOINT: STEVE GETZWILLER ON "ONE TRADER'S LEGACY"

March 15 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Trader and collector Steve Getzwiller speaks about One Trader's Legacy: Steve Getzwiller Collects the West. Free for Members or with paid admission, Cultural Crossroads Learning Center.

AMERICAN INDIAN ARTIFACTS IDENTIFICATION WITH STEVE GETZWILLER

March 15 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Bring your Native American artifacts for trader and collector Steve Getzwiller to identify. Getzwiller is known for his work with the weavers of the Navajo Nation and owns and operates Nizhoni Ranch Gallery is Sonoita, AZ. Please do not bring weapons. $20 first item, $10 additional items, 5 item maximum | Cultural Crossroads Learning Center.

CIRCLES EXCLUSIVE EVENT: "HOW TO COLLECT" WITH STEVE GETZWILLER

March 16 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Circles Donors, join us for a conversation with trader and collector Steve Getzwiller of the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery on One Trader's Legacy: Steve Getzwiller Collects the West. Open to Circles Donors, free, Main Museum.

Nov 28, 2017
DeAnne Clifton

10% Off All Sales Through Monday

10% off all sales through Monday 11/27/2017!

Support Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday!

Call us at 520-455-5020 or email us at Steve@NavajoRug.com!

Nov 24, 2017
Ben Schmid

Rebelle Rally 2017, Hoehn Adventures & Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Team Up

The Rebelle Rally is the first women's off-road navigation rally raid in the United States. Blending the love of driving with the ultimate challenge of precise navigation, the Rebelle competition is a 7 day race for speed, but a unique and demanding event based on the elements of headings, hidden checkpoints, time, and distance using maps, compass, and roadbook.

This year, Hoehn Adventures chose 4 vehicles to be wrapped in Navajo Rug designs from our collection to connect with the Native American designs of the Navajo. The vehicle wraps compliment the beautiful landscape of the desert and terrain from Tahoe to San Diego.

Jo Hannah Hoehn and Gail Getzwiller display the Navajo Rug which was used for one of the vehicle wraps

Hoehn writes, "We are so honored and proud to be part of the 2017 Rebelle Rally. The Hoehn fleet of cars featured are more than just standard utility vehicles. This year they’ll also have a strong artistic component during the Rally. Each car will be wrapped in a design inspired by female master rug weavers from the Navajo tribe. (pictured above Jo Hannah Hoehn and Gail Getzwiller)

Working closely with the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Arizona, which represents the women artisans, the Hoehns were able to create custom wraps replicating the rugs. “We tried to connect the wrap to where the event is taking place which is the American West,” said Hoehn Motors. “I think it’s a really great way to tie in the landscape where we are competing.”

All eight participants competing under the Hoehn umbrella are from Southern California. Five work for the Hoehn dealerships which Jo Hannah says, “has been a really great way for them to engage with the product and the company.” The other three competitors are actress/musician Sabrina Howells, restaurateurs Susie and Dana Saxten.
Hoehn Adventures Race Results: Congratulations!

4x4 Class
Jo Hannah Hoehn and Susie Saxten in 10th place
Karen Hoehn and Dana Saxten in 22nd place

Crossover Class:
Jaimy Grigsby and Lori Arterburn in 1st place
Meli Barrett and Sabrina Howells in 2nd place

Gail Getzwiller (R) and daughter Jamie (L) at the Rebelle Rally Galla We were so honored to attend the Rebelle Rally Gala and showcase the Navajo rugs that were showcased on the car wraps. So many strong and courageous women under one roof, sharing their amazing experiences together. (pictured Jamie Hellems and Gail Getzwiller representing Nizhoni Ranch Gallery.)

Thank you Hoehn Adventures and Rebelle Rally for having us and showcasing our rugs on the vehicles. Congratulations to all the women who participated, the crews and sponsors involved who brought this awesome race to fruition.

Links:

Rebelle Rally
Hoehn Adventures (More videos and photos!)

Enjoy photos from the great adventure! Top Photograph: The Hoehn Motors vehicles wrapped and ready to go..

Oct 25, 2017
DeAnne Clifton

Steve to open Quail Creek Lecture Series

Join us Monday, October 9th as Steve begins the 2017 Quail Creek Lecture series in which he shares his experience as one of the most respected leaders in Navajo Rugs and discusses their unique history, how styles came to be, and what are the current trends in this unique Native American craft.

Click here for the full article and ticket information.

Sep 25, 2017
DeAnne Clifton

How Much Does a Navajo Rug Cost?

So how much do Navajo Rugs Cost? This Navajo Rug cost and pricing guide is designed to help you develop an initial budget and understanding of Navajo Rugs.
There are several things to consider when purchasing quality Navajo Rugs...

Size
When was it woven – is it Historic/Antique or Contemporary
Tightness of weave
Style (complexity of design)
Dyes used
Condition

Historic Textile Exhibit Santa Fe, New Mexico

Navajo Rugs – Size

There are some standard sizes in Navajo Rugs because of the way it is woven, by hand on a Navajo Loom. Common sizes are 4x6, 5x8, 6x9…. (of course there are more sizes available, larger and smaller). You get the idea, rugs are usually woven in a rectangular configuration. The price will vary greatly by the size you need. Some large Navajo Rugs may take 1, 2, or 3 years to make and are harder to find, so they are in a higher price range. Smaller Navajo Rugs start at $100 and they go up from there.

Navajo Rugs – Historic/Antique – (pre-1950)

Antique Navajo rugs, depending on size can range from around $1,000 up to many thousands. Provenance can also add value to historic Navajo rugs, for example, previous collection history, or prior publication, etc.

Navajo Rugs – Contemporary – (1950 to present)

Contemporary Navajo rugs, again depending on size, can range from UNDER $500 up to many thousands. The number of Navajo weavers working today is dwindling. Many of the young weavers are not learning this sacred Navajo weaving tradition, as it is a very time consuming and disciplined art form. When considering whether to purchase a Navajo Rug or not, know this is a way to encourage young Navajos to learn to weave and keep the traditional Navajo Rug weaving alive.

2001 Textile Exhibit Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg AZ

Navajo Rugs – Navajo Churro Collection

The Navajo Churro Collection Rugs are contemporary Navajo rugs that we commission from the best Navajo Master Weavers working today. The native Churro sheep wool, the hand dying process and the dyes themselves (natural and aniline) add value to the weaving. Also, each weaving is accompanied by provenance – a Churro Certificate with a photo of the weaver and detailed information about the Navajo rug. You can read more in depth information about The Navajo Churro Collection here.

Navajo Rugs – Style/Complexity/Tightness

There are 28 Styles of Navajo Rugs. Some Styles are more difficult to weave than others. Intricacy and tightness of the weave affect the value. Generally speaking, the tighter and finer the weave, the more valuable the piece.

Navajo Rugs – Condition

The condition of a Navajo Rug will of course affect the value as well. Weigh the condition issues (is it clean, straight, damaged, color run, fading, etc.) against your attraction to the weaving and decide. Sometime issues can be fixed - but that is another blog about Care & Repair.

Navajo Rugs – Prices on our site

On our website, we have pricing for most Navajo rugs posted. If a price is not visible, it is either part of our exclusive Navajo Churro Collection, or is one of our more important and valuable Antique or Contemporary Navajo Rugs. We are happy to provide pricing for any these pieces.

Hope we answered most of your questions about How Much Do Navajo Rugs Cost.

Happy Trails,

Gail and Steve Getzwiller

Please contact us with any questions at:

Phone: 520-455- 5020
Email: steve@navajorug.com

Sep 08, 2017
Gail Getzwiller

A Special Video Invitation

Steve and Gail are back from Santa Fe Indian Market.
They have hung up their hats for a while.

AND

This is a wonderful time to visit us at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery!

Check out the Great New Video of the Gallery!!

If you are planning to visit you might want to check out this great B&B in Patagonia AZ, They're very popular so book early.
The Duquesne House

Aug 23, 2017
robin NRG

2017 WINNERS ARE

2017 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial has been good to our weavers once again!! We are proud to announce the winners:

Master Weaver Helene Nez won the coveted title of
Best of Weavings
with her Bistie Navajo Rug
Churro 1520

1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY--LARGE WEAVINGS
CHURRO 516 -- JALUCIE MARIANITO

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1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY--WEARABLE ART
CHURRO 1535 -- LUCIE MARIANITO

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CARA GORMAN'S CHURRO 1524-- JB MOORE RUG WOVEN WITH ALPACA WON A SPECIAL AWARD AND A ROSETTE RIBBON

*************************************************************************************************

1ST PLACE RIBBONS - CHURRO Navajo RUGS

Churro 1499      Churro 1513

Churro 1526        Churro 1527

Churro 1496    Churro 1523

2ND PLACE AWARDS- Churro Navajo Rugs

Churro 1529 Churro 1528 Churro 1512 Churro 1531

Churro 1503 Churro 1504 Churro 1518 Churro 1525

CONTEMPORARY NAVAJO WEAVING WINNERS !!

1st place:
3292 3294 3295 3204

2nd place:
3303 3293

Aug 10, 2017
robin NRG
Tags: Gallup Inter Tribal Ceremonial Winners Winners

Off to Santa Fe!

Hello Everyone,
Getting ready for Santa Fe -
We will be bringing a selection of Historic Textiles with us. Let us know if you have any favorites you want to see in person.. We have heard from a few folks and don't want you to miss a chance to see any of the Antique Rugs in person.

****************************************
Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Winners will also be available for
viewing August 14th thru the 21st
in Santa Fe, at the Bishops Lodge Road House

The latest Silk Shawl - Sure to be a Show Stopper

Be sure to call to make your appointment with Steve to see the winners.
Call the Gallery - 520-455-5020 or call Steve direct - 520-241-5581.

Look forward to seeing you soon.
Happy Trails,

Aug 02, 2017
Gail Getzwiller

Between Show Limbo

The Gallery turnover has already begun! New weavings hang on the wall and older ones are being folded and stacked on the floor and tables to be stored at a later time.

Preparing for a show can be some hard work!

steve getzwiller

Here at the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery the Navajo Textiles as Modern Art show has just wrapped up. Even so, it is never too early to start preparation for the next upcoming event. This week we have focused on organizing and beginning to hang the rugs that will be featured in our upcoming exhibit, which will focus on Two Grey Hills and Toadlena weavings.

New weavings sit folded on the bed, ready to be hung.

It is rare that the first place a weaving is hung ends up being where it resides for the show. Hopefully Steve can keep up the hard work until we can all agree on the best placement of each weaving!