Nizhoni Ranch News
Happy 4th of July
Happy Birthday America!
We salute the Red, White and Blue!
A few weavings to inspire you!
Germantown Optical Navajo Weaving : Historic : GHT 2203 : 49 1/2″ x 68″
JB Moore Crystal Plate VIII Navajo Weaving : Historic : GHT 569 : 53" x 78"
3rd Phase Chief Blanket : Historic Navajo Blanket : PC 148 : 72" x 78"
Crystal Navajo Weaving : Historic : GHT 2101 : 59″ x 72″
3rd Phase Chief Blanket : Historic : GHT 2126 : 57″ x 77″
Crystal American Indian Rug : Historic : GHT 2090 : 40″ x 62″
Steve, Gail and Beth
Nizhoni Ranch Gallery
P.O. Box 815, Sonoita AZ 85637
NavajoRug.com
steve@navajorug.com
520-455-5020
- Beth Barth
Chief Blankets, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Phase
Chief Blanket : Late Classic : 2nd / 3rd Phase Variant : Navajo Weaving : JV 113 : 56" x 76"
Chief Blankets circa 1700-1900, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Phase
One of the most iconic weavings in American history, Navajo Chief Blankets were a distinguished status symbol during the 19th century.
Traded and prized throughout the Southwest and Great Plains, these gorgeous weavings were not only valued for their horizontal stripes of rich Cochineal reds, Indigo blues and deep blacks, but because of their supreme quality.
Often worn across the shoulders of a Chief, clan leader or men and women of prominent social or financial status, these Navajo wearing blankets were tightly woven to shed water and to keep you safe and warm during cold, rainy and snowy seasons.
Below are the three distinct phases in which Chief Blankets are separated due to their style, color, and weaving patterns:
First Phase Chief Blankets: 1700-1840s
The “Ute” style or First Phase hail from the classic period of Navajo life. A simplistic version adopted from Pueblo wearing blankets, narrow horizontal bands of rich, natural dark browns and blacks, these chief blankets were woven with white churro sheep wool yarn. They are also known for their unique indigo-blue or red raveled yarns that were sourced from dyed English baize trade cloth.
Second Phase Chief Blankets: 1840-1860
The second phase of the Chief Blanket moved quickly over the next 10 years. And while it was sandwiched between phases 1 and 3 . This style saw weavers adopt smaller design elements with rectangles and horizontal bands; often in a 12-spot position format. In essence, weavers were placing these new elements on “top” of the phase 1 style, creating a background effect that made each blanket stand out with more vivid color and style.
Classic Third Phase Chief Blankets: 1860-1868
The third and final phase was the shortest of them all, lasted just 8 years. These new designs featured elements in a “9-spot” design that covered the top, middle and bottom of each blanket with new, exciting patterns. Based on the weavers’ discretion or style, different shapes would begin to take hold with rectangles, squares or even diamonds becoming central figures.
Blankets woven after 1868 are referred to as Late Classics, later giving way to the Transitional Period of the 1880s and 1890s.
Sitting high on the neck and draped around the shoulders, these prestigious items commanded a respectable price even during the era because of their use of costly raveled Bayeta cloth and Indigo dyes.
What’s more, weavers sometimes took up to a year to weave each one, making them as rare as they were functional and beautiful. This mean that you could see a single wearing blanket in the 1860s command $50-$60 in gold or a great many horses; thus, the designation, Chief Blanket.
Today original Chief Blankets remain a one of the Navajo’s most sought after pieces for collectors all over the world. And even those made today are valued for the high-quality weaving precision, gorgeous colors, and iconic design.
- Beth Barth
Special Honors to Master Weaver Helene Nez
AYA Optical celebrates Indigenous Art. Founder and president, Carla D’Angelo founded Claudia Alan Inc. in 2003 with a vision to create beautiful eyewear and accessories that make a difference.
Master Weaver Helene Nez's work has been chosen to grace one of AYA's newest frames. Not only is it an honor to be chosen, AYA pays a royalty to the artist. Congratulations Helene!
To support AYA/Claudia Alan Designs and Helene please go to their website at: Claudia Alan Inc
Below is the award winning weaving which influenced the frame design:
- Beth Barth
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
Not Just Another Pretty Face!
A dear client who lives in England recently lent one of his historic Navajo saddle blankets to his friend Julia Roberts and her award winning dressage horse Crunchie. Douglas thought Crunchie would look smashing wearing the saddle blanket. We agree. We also think Crunchie is absolutely beautiful au naturel. Love of Navajo weaving knows no borders - thank you Douglas, Julia and Crunchie for sharing.
- Beth Barth
Red Feather Changes Lives
Got a minute? Well, 2 exactly. Check out this uplifting video update from Red Feather - Giving Tuesday. It's been a long hard year, we are grateful for Red Feather and all those who support this outstanding organization. It is wonderful to see light during such a dark time.
- Beth Barth
Holiday Gift Picks of the Season
We have made shopping for the special people in your life even easier. Our Holiday Gift Picks for the Season gift guide showcases a few of our favorite pieces from many different categories and price ranges. To view our Holiday Gift Picks of the Season click here.
Even better - if you like we will wrap the gift along, add your personal message and ship direct for FREE! The order date deadline for December 25th arrival (for delivery in the U.S.A.) is December 17!!
Don't forget our 25% off sale is on. The discount will be applied to the price when the item is added to your cart! Be sure to provide the ship to address and in the order notes area of your shopping cart provide your gift message. If you have something in mind and can't find it - call Beth and she'll help!
- Beth Barth
Teec Nos Pos Gallery Show 2020
Currently at the Gallery
We have filled the walls with some of our favorite Native American Teec Nos Pos weavings. Check out the video above. To view all Teec Nos Pos available click here.
History of Teec Nos Pos Rugs
Widely considered to be the most intricate and detailed of all Navajo rug designed, Teec Nos Pos Rugs offer a truly exceptional and distinct look. Named after a location important to the Navajo, this “Ring of Cottonwood Trees” has produced two distinct styles that have both long been influenced by the tightly-woven, brightly-colored Persian rugs of the Middle East. Large, bold and colorful, Teec Nos Pos boast a weaving unlike any other. Located in the northeast corner of Arizona, Teec Nos Pos rugs rose to prominence in 1905, spinning off of J.B. Moore’s Crystal Weaving Style. Since that time, Teec Nos Pos rugs have most often displayed one of two unique stylizations—one boasting elaborate geometric motifs and the other a collection of zig zag patterns with distinct borders. The zigzag patterns being the only designs to be carried forward from the pre-1900 blanket designs.
Elegant Patterns
The most amazing aspect of Teec Nos Pos rugs is the fact that weavers working in this area, were some of the most technically skilled weavers working on the Navajo reservation at this time. Traditional weavers often create the finished rug simply from a vision they have in their head and rarely from something drawn to paper. This unique choice lets the adventurous spirit, instinct and beauty of the Navajo culture shine through with each hand woven expression of art.
Unmatched Artistry
Navajo weavers are still using the same longstanding techniques passed down from generation to generation, even as it comes to shearing and cleaning wool, carding, dyeing and hand spinning. That’s why Nizhoni Ranch Gallery rugs feature an array of colors seen nowhere else in contemporary Navajo weaving, allowing weavers to deftly capture shapes, images, designs and styles.
Skillful Complexity
The Navajo that create the Teec Nos Pos rugs for the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery are highly-experienced weavers and craftsmen that perfectly balance the fineness of each woolen strand with the tightness of the weave. This allows highly-detailed patterns to shine through on each piece without sacrificing comfort, durability or overall artistry. In fact, the amount of work that goes into each of these handmade Navajo rugs means that every single one is completely unique. Some weavings can take up to 2 years to create on the traditional loom. NRG supports and encourages each weaver to work as long as it takes to accomplish their masterpieces.
- Beth Barth