And the Winners are.....

AUGUST IN SANTE FE The All Indian Inter-Tribal Ceremonial judging is complete and now Santa Fe! Call to schedule a private viewing.

*To schedule your appointment or purchase over the phone call: 520-455-5020 or call Steve directly 520-241-5581

***1ST PLACE*** ***BEST OF CATEGORY*** ***BEST OF WEAVINGS*** is Churro 1492***

WOVEN BY GLORIA BITSUI : JB MOORE STYLE : 47" X 65"

***SOLD***

A Wonderful accomplishment for Gloria!

(BEST OF WEAVINGS INCLUDES ALL ENTRIES OF THE WOVEN GENRE- TEXTILES, BASKETS, ETC.)

***SOLD***

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***BEST OF CATEGORY - CHURRO WEAVINGS***

Churro 1465 : Teec Nos Pos woven by Harriet Whitney: 4’x 6′ ***SOLD*** 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - TEEC NOS POS

Churro 1468 Elsie Bia: Germantown Style - Alpaca Wool : 49″ x 70″

1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY CATEGORY INNOVATIONS (design and material)SOLD

Churro 1475 : Cornstalk Yei : Pictorial : Selena Yazzie : 72″ x 47″ 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - PICTORIALS-SOLD

Churro 1494 : 1st Phase Chief : Jalucie Marianito : Size 70" x 54" 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - NATURAL DYED CHIEFS BLANKETS

Churro 1466 : Navajo Two Grey Hills/Storm Pattern : Cara Gorman : 4′ x 8′ 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - NATURAL TWO GREY HILLS-SOLD

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***SPECIAL AWARD***

Churro 1470 : Cecelia Nez : Innovative Design : 35″ x 75″ 2ND PLACE & JOE BEN WHEAT AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN! 'One of the most prestigious awards given for Navajo Weaving!'

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***1ST PLACE RIBBONS - CHURRO WEAVINGS***

Churro 1485 : Yei Hero Twins : Elsie Bia : 49" x 72" 1ST PLACE

***SOLD***

Churro 1477 : Helen Bia : Klagatoh / Innovative Design : 40" x 62" 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

Churro 1480 : Malinda Nez : Teec Nos Pos : 48" x 72" 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

Churro 1458 : Elsie Bia : Ganado : 50" x 74" 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

Churro 1497 : Chief Blanket : Lucie Marianito – All Natural dyes!!! 1ST PLACE

Churro 906 : Teec Nos Pos : Woven by Anita Bekay : 47″ x 74″ 1ST PLACE

Churro 1495 : Navajo Double Saddle Blanket : 32×59 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

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***2ND PLACE AWARDS***

Churro 1462 : Bistie : Elsie Bia : 51″ x 69″ 2ND PLACE

Churro 1479 : Cecelia Nez : Teec Nos Pos : 2' x 3' 2ND PLACE

Churro 1487 : Geraldine Phillips : Klagetoh : Large Navajo Rug : 7' x 10' 2ND PLACE

Churro 1491: Lucy Begay : Innovative Design : Size 46 x 70 2ND PLACE

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***HOLD***

Churro 1493 : Kathy Marianito : 1st Phase Chief Blanket : 70" x 53" 2ND PLACE

Churro 1410: 1st Phase Navajo Chief Blanket Ute Style, earliest of the Chief Blanket Styles : Kathy Marianito : 54″x 73″ 2nd PLACE

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CONTEMPORARY NAVAJO WEAVING WINNERS !!

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3258 : Moki Style – Very Finely Woven by Elvie VanWinkle 1ST PLACE *HOLD*

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1934: Anna Clyde : Pine Springs : 32x34 : $1,500 : Natural Dyes 2ND PLACE

1994 : Chinle/ Twill Weaving : Marilyn Scott 2ND PLACE

3189 : Two Grey Hills : Mark Nathaniel : 28x27 : $2,600 2ND PLACE

3219 : Christine Chischilly : Yei : Lukachukai Area : 53″ x 30″ $2,700 2ND PLACE

3255: Tree of Life Pictorial : Wenora Joe : 3′8″ x 2’6″ : $2,400 2ND PLACE ***SOLD***

3257: Diamond Twill Weave – Double Saddle Blanket : Lucy Nez : 30 x 57 : $1,200 2ND PLACE

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2 Last Entries for Ceremonial

Steve and Robin went to the reservation and then Gallup to enter the weavings in the Ceremonial last week-end. Mission Accomplished! On the way there, they picked up the last two weavings which are spectacular. Lucie Marianito and Elsie Van Winkle..

These are the only photos I have to share with you right now - but they are stunning! Hope to hear from you in Santa Fe and show off these incredible pieces of art!

NEXT ENTRY HERE SHOULD BE TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS!

Happy Trails! Gail and Steve and Robin

Click here to see all of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Entries.....

Lucie Marianito : Chief Blanket

Moki Style Navajo Weaving by Elvie VanWinkle

Special Visitor !

I could not help but share this wonderful photo with you of this beautiful Dragonfly If I measured - it would probably be 5" long. Simply beautiful! He or she came into the gallery after a wonderful rain which refreshed everything around Nizhoni Ranch. Be sure to scroll down to see all of the photos of this beauty!

We say thank you for the visit and as the Navajos interpret the visit of this beautiful messenger from the gods - August will be an exciting month for us - bringing many blessings and recognition for the beautiful Navajo weavings we will be entering into Ceremonial and sharing with all in Santa Fe.

We will keep you posted and updated as things progress. If you are going to Santa Fe be sure to call us for a personal viewing of the special weavings from Ceremonial and more.

I finally coaxed our little friend outside after 3 days of hide and seek in the gallery. He flew behind this basket and I was able to carry him outside, basket and all. He just hung out letting me take several videos and photos. Just before he decided to take off I took this shot. I am sure he was looking at me!! The other amazing thing was after he flew off he went to my rose bush and it looked like he pushed a large bug off a leaf and if fell down onto a leaf below. It turned out to be another dragonfly - I wonder if it was his mate! They flew around the front yard for a long while, I stood and watched them. What a thrill. I could look at him all day - so beautiful!

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Inter-Tribal & Santa Fe

This is one of many weavings that will be finished up and ready for judging at the Gallup Inter-Tribal All Indian Ceremonial We will be posting the entries on our website soon, so you will get the first viewing of the special weavings to be judged! Stay Tuned !!

Below is a little history about the Gallup Inter-Tribal All Indian Ceremonial and Indian Market in Santa Fe..

INTER-TRIBAL CEREMONIAL AND INDIAN MARKET

Later this month, New Mexico will truly be the center of the Native American art world.

Two events will be drawing thousands of spectators and artisans alike during the month of August. In Gallup, it’s the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial which runs from August 11 th through the 14 th .

Then, a week later attention shifts to Santa Fe for the renowned Indian Market, August 20 th -21 st .

Both events are in their 95 th year but while they highlight Native American culture there’s also some differences.

The Inter-Tribal is just that, with more than 40 different tribes represented. While it’s primarily members of southwestern tribes from New Mexico and Arizona, others are from around the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Gallup is itself the perfect place for the Inter-tribal, with about 43% of the local population being Native Americans, primarily Navajo, Hopi and Zuni. While it started in the early 20’s it wasn’t so much about preserving the culture as it was to lure in automobile tourists to Gallup instead of crossing the West through other routes. Mike Kirk, who had a trading post about 20 miles west of Gallup worked with the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce to make this happen, getting some land from the Santa Fe Railroad who also wanted to see more people travel. By 1931, local businesses and civic groups were joining in, and earlier that year the Gallup Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs sent out thousands of pieces of literature to other clubs throughout the country, asking for it to be handed out at weekly meetings. By 1939 the state legislature designated the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial a state institution, with attendance now in the thousands.

What started first as a tourist-oriented affair soon grew into an event focusing on Native American arts, crafts, music and culture. Now, most of the events in Gallup are held at Red Rock State Park. The atmosphere is more like a homecoming and family reunion combined, with plenty of family events, a parade, a rodeo, dancing, music, and of course lots of food.

You can also think of this as almost a county fair for the different tribes with all the competitions. But, instead of entries for the best quilt or largest pumpkin, the focus is pure art created by Native Americans. Dazzling displays of paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and textiles, specifically woven rugs. This is where the artistry created by Master Navajo weavers truly shines with vivid colors and stunning, complex patterns.

Thousands of non-Indians as well come to take it all in, to learn more from the Native American cultures and to admire, and perhaps buy some of the art on display here. The Executive Director for the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial expects about 50,000 spectators during the four day event.

A week later, thousands will be descending on the galleries, Central Plaza and nearby streets of Santa Fe, as the Santa Fe Indian Market opens. Run by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, the organization calls it the largest and most prestigious intertribal fine art market in the world. Looking at the competing pieces which often change hands afterwards for thousands of dollars, it’s truly a place to see the best of the best in textiles, jewelry, pottery, basketry and more. It’s unique, premium art with an edge, literally the cutting edge of these ever evolving art forms.

Several different groups were involved in the beginning of this first-class event. A political action organization formed by a group of women and the Museum of New Mexico focused on establishing and protecting human rights for the Indian population in the state. First called “Indian Fair” it was created in 1922 by the Museum of New Mexico as part of the Santa Fe Fiesta. The museum continued as a sponsor until 1926, and the last Indian Fair was in 1931.

In 1936, the New Mexico Association on Indian Affairs took over and modeled it on Mexican village outdoor markets, running on Saturdays in the summers with artists expected to sell their own work under the Palace of the Governor’s portal. This evolved in the Fiesta Indian Markets until 1962. But, there were problems with how it was set up and declining prize money amounts.

Things started changing and turning around later in the 1960’s. It was pottery that really started the boom, with more and more people coming to meet the artists and potters who gathered. The Southwestern Associations for Indian Arts says Indian Market overtook the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial in 1970 “as the premier Indian Art Show.”

Booths now number several hundred, with over a thousand artists. Total prize money now totals $90,000 going to artists, art fellowships and mentoring workshops. It’s not about just competition, buying and selling, however. Indian Market It’s a platform for these Native American artists to introduce their unique talents to the world while building relationships with collectors and other artists. On their website, the chief operating officer for SWAIA speaks of how the artists’ works are tied to their cultural identity.

In both events, there are plenty of winners, and not just those taking home ribbons and prize money. It’s all the artists who win, as they push their talents to higher levels and make new connections. It’s the collectors and fans of the different art forms who win, as they’re exposed to what’s truly the best of the best. And, it’s the cultures of these different tribes who win, as the excitement and ingenuity in new creations carries the art forward. And…who knows what could be sparked from this year’s Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and Santa Fe Indian Market? You’ll have to come see it for yourself, to get a glimpse of the future of Native American art and artistry.

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Happy 4th to All

Churro 1450 woven by Kathy Marianito

4th of July Nizhoni Style Wishing all a safe and happy holiday.

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Woven Holy People Exhibition and Sale

The Yei Be Cheis are still dancing at the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery's Woven Holy People Show. Here are some Restless ones moving about the gallery.

Click on the images to see more photos, pricing, and availability.

3215 : Yei Navajo Rug : Christine Chischilly: 34″ x 60″: $3500 (pg. 34 "Award Winner!)

B25 : Yei Be Chei Navajo Weaving $2,700- By award winning Lula Brown pg 34

2087: Yei Be Chei Navajo Rug Woven By Louise Yazzie $4,500 pg 33

Navajo Yei Be Chei Tapestry woven by Della Woody $3,650 pg 33

3219 : Pictorial Yei Navajo Rug : Christine Chischilly : 53″ x 30″: $2250

3202 : Foxtail Yei Navajo Weaving Woven by Ruby White (right) : $1,250

1998 : Yei : Shayne Ahidlley (left) $600

Navajo Rugs Moving Around on the Gallery Walls!

Steve said that after looking at these corners designs and noticing the similarity he did a little digging and found this weaving in our archives of Evelyn Yazzie with one of her rugs. He remembers her telling him that this corner design was passed down to her from her mother and grandmother.

Evelyn Yazzie with her Granddaughter and our son Sean(5yrs. old) 

Evelyn said this is a family design and not shared with other weavers. So it appears that Evelyn is related to the Sandpainting weaver of the weavings above from the 1930s. The attribution of this weaver, from Steve's research, appears to be Altnabah daughter of Migelito (Red Point) a very important Navajo Medicine Man of this time. Migelito was from Evelyn's area of the Navajo Reservation so she must also be a descendant. Many early Sandpainting Weavings were made by relatives to Medicine Men, who would have helped them with the correct way to weave the design and the ceremonial clearance as well.

Steve said, "I have been doing this for so long and seen so many Navajo Rugs, and I have never seen this design anywhere else, kind of narrows it down. Our son in the photo with Evelyn is now 38 so the photo above would have been taken in 1982.

They look so good hanging together! MUCH BETTER!!

Here is a link to the Large Whirling Log Sandpainting Weaving and one to the smaller Germantown Night Skies Sandpainting Weaving.

One more shot of the Gallery with Della Woody hanging around the corner. More re-arranging to come before the show ends the end of May.

Native American Art Forms

Quick Links to other Native American Art and Jewelry

Jewelry

Basketry

Fetishes

Select Native American Art Forms!

All items are guaranteed handmade by Native American Artists. We have wonderful pottery, baskets, kachinas and paintings that Steve has been collecting just for you….

Don’t hesitate to call or email for more information or to inquire about your specific needs directly.

Contact us for pricing at steve@navajorug.com or call (520) 455-5020 OR CLICK HERE TO BUY with Paypal.

Rare Yei 1939 Navajo Rug possibly from 1939 San Francisco World's Fair

Vintage Navajo Rug from 1939 - because of the date woven in the rug, most likely woven at San Francisco World's Fair or commissioned for it. Navajo weavings demonstrations were beg attractions at this time. Pictured here with Arts & Crafts furnishings. Part of the "Woven Holy People" Exhibition & Sale. The Show will hang through May 2016. Be sure to call for an appointment to see the show and all the Nizhoni Ranch has to offer. A beautiful place inside and out!

Click here to see all of the Woven Holy People Textiles for Sale

View a Video of this weaving on Youtube – click here.

Click the image below to read more about and view more photographs of this weaving .

GHT 2168 : Antique Navajo Foxtail Yei : Circa 1939 !! : 76″ x 43″ : pg 15 of the Catalog Back to Nizhoni Ranch News Blog

Native American Art Magazine April/May 2016 Article about 'WOVEN HOLY PEOPLE SHOW' Hangs through May

Native American Art Magazine April/May 2016 Issue feature article about 'Woven Holy People' Exhibition and Sale at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery.

Below is the article in easy to read format. Enjoy!! A SACRED SUBJECT Always in demand, they are an art form considered rare and highly prized by collectors of Native American art. Navajo weavings, specifically pictorials centered on sandpaintings, Yeis and Yei Be Cheis, are the stars of Woven Holy People now on display at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Sonoita, Arizona. While it’s pretty unusual to find more than a handful of this particular style of weaving in one place, this current show features more than 60 of these intricate and incredibly complicated weavings which hold truly special meanings to the Diné, the Navajo people. Sandpaintings are considered an integral part of blessing or healing ceremonies to cure aperson’s physical or spiritual ills. While sandpaintings themselves are temporary, a weaving like this is permanent, which is why sandpainting rugs or blankets can be controversial as it depicts certain revered figures. The Yeis and Yei Be Cheis are isolated elements of the ceremonies themselves, and considered to be sensitive and sacred imagery, according to gallery owner, dealer and collector Steve Getzwiller. “A weaver has to have gone through the ceremonies and received clearance so to speak from the medicine man and the spirits of the Diné,” says Getzwiller. “The design will flow then through them to the loom.” Getzwiller says it’s the detail and depth of the pieces on exhibit which is so impressive, partly because of the total scarcity of material to begin with. “Less than 1 percent of Navajo weavings even go in that direction,” according to Getzwiller. “That’s always been the case, and that’s why they are so rare. Some of it dates from 1900 to the present time, which predates what’s conventionally thought to be the time frame the earliest ones were made in. It’s the best things I’ve been able to put together… and have seen in my career. One piece, Beauty Way Sandpainting Weaving, which won Best of Textiles and Best of Category in sandpaintings last summer at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico, took weaver Selena Yazzie two years to create (some sandpainting weavings often take longer). However, this 2015 winner is actually based on an old design. “It’s taken from an antique piece I had years ago,” says Getzwiller. “It would have been woven in the Lukachukai area. If you look at how some of the headdresses are coming out of the border…I’ve seen three or four in this style. That was the weaver’s particular signature, and what it does is add dimension." Another piece, Storm Pattern/Yei Be Chei, is from the 1930’s, and is one Getzwiller considers rare. “The proportions are pretty unusual. The three Yeis in the center are females and the guy with the green shirt, he’s the Talking God, the head of the Yei Be Chei ceremony. All “I’m a collector first and foremost. That’s why I’m in this business,” he adds. Unlike Getzwiller’s earlier exhibits, all pieces in this show are for sale. He simply feels it’s time. “You only have the opportunity to own something for 20, 30, 40 years, and then it has to pass on to someone else. That is my goal and objective with my collection now is to place it in the hands of somebody else who’s going to appreciate it as much as I did for a period of time.” The setting for this could not be more perfect, in the spacious gallery, which is also Getzwiller’s home in the ranching grasslands of southeastern Arizona. The peace and tranquility of the location only adds to the experience; a perfect spot to view something so sacred and meaningful to the Navajo culture. Woven Holy People runs through May 28th.

Woven Holy People Shows Continues to draw interest. Featured Sandpainting Weaving Awes Visitors!

Click here to view the Woven Holy People Textiles available for Sale

Navajo Rug by Helene Nez is one of the "Woven Holy People" SHOW STOPPERS!!

Click the image above to see more about Helene and her Navajo Weavings.

“Click the image of the catalog to view it online.”

Woven Holy People Walk Through

Join us Tomorrow, March 29th at 1:00 pm Arizona time For a Walk-Through of the Woven Holy People Exhibit at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery.

Call to RESERVE A SPOT or VIEW us on Facebook!!! We're doing a live feed. Nizhoni Ranch Gallery 520-455-5020 Sonoita AZ

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