Are Contemporary Navajo Rugs Different than Historic or Antique Navajo Rugs?

{"id":9210104152286,"title":"What is My Rug Worth?","handle":"what-is-my-rug-worth-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/ChambersTradingPost_480x480.jpg?v=1548713221\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery we get our fair share of inquiries about Navajo rugs people have inherited from family members or picked up at a thrift show or estate sale.  Most stories begin with something like \"my grandmother bought a weaving from a trading post while vacationing in the Southwest\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main question we are asked is \"what is it worth?\"   The answer is:  it depends...  In valuing weavings we suggest keeping the following things at the forefront:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize, Condition, Complexity of Design, Age, Tightness of weave, Types of dyes used (natural vs aniline) and provenance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eYes, size matters - a lot.  Big rugs are rare which of course increases value.  Past and present weavers typically weave small to medium size rugs.  One reason is limited space.  The larger the rug, the larger the loom.  Many Navajo live in homes that have low ceilings and low square footage, which makes it nearly impossible for many weavers to take on large rugs.  Another is the amount of time it takes to weave large rugs.  Large rugs can take a year or more to complete.  Weaver's payday typically come when they sell their rug.  Which means fewer weavers then and now take on large rugs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo_weavers_l_large.jpg?v=1549481508\" alt=\"Navajo Weavers at loom\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe condition of a Navajo Rug will of course affect the value.  Pay attention to any damage,  if it is clean,  if there is any fading (one side is lighter than the other), if the wool colors have runs, stains, etc. There are talented rug restores out there, yet some issues just cannot be fixed.  Navajo rugs that have serious damage may not be worth the original cost or even the cost to restore it.  One rug restoration company we highly recommend is: \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/enverfromdenver.com\/\" title=\"Enver From Denver website\"\u003eEnver From Denver. \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly 1800's to 1950\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavajo rugs before the 1950's we consider historic or antique.  Navajo weavings started to become popular at about the turn of the century. Navajo Textiles from 1800's have a much higher value - and they don't have to be in perfect condition.  Here is an \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cGlS05233Q\"\u003eepisode from Antiques Roadshow.  \u003c\/a\u003eWorth the watch and this weaving is worth up to 7 figures.  This episode brought us all to tears here at NRG.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cGlS05233Q\" title=\"Lt and his amazing rags to riches story\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Astonishing Antique Roadshow Find - 1st Phase Ute Chief Blanket!\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Clb5DqoXEAAGgJ7_300x.jpg?v=1634329812\" width=\"530\" height=\"353\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1940 to 1970 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn mid 1900 the Southwest was all the rage.  The Navajo keyed in on this and began weaving rugs for tourists.  A perfect and inexpensive souvenir that could easily fit in a suitcase to take home.  Navajo weavers would set up along side tourist routes.  Few tourists could resist a beautiful piece of art.  The weavings were small in size, designs were simple yet colorful, not always finely woven and not with the best wool.  These weavings typically have a moderate value.  Not necessarily a valuable family heirloom, but a warm reminder of who passed it down.\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/products\/gallup-throw-navajo-weaving-lilly-tracey-3431-15-x-19-13-x-17-copy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Throw-rug-navajo-3432_9693a4b5-73e9-499d-9bbc-7f0c086b0dd6_480x480.jpg?v=1748891004\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/products\/gallup-throw-navajo-weaving-lilly-tracey-3431-15-x-19-13-x-17-copy\"\u003eThrow Navajo Weaving : 3432 : 14\" x 23\" (1'2\" x 1'11\") : $700\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1970 to Present \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\" title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Contemporary weavings\"\u003eContemporary Navajo rugs\u003c\/a\u003e, can range from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/under-500\" title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery contemporary rugs under $500\"\u003eUNDER $500 \u003c\/a\u003eup to many thousands of dollars. The number of Navajo weavers working today is dwindling. Many Navajo are not learning this sacred Navajo weaving tradition, as it is a very time consuming, the pay is inconsistent and requires discipline in learning the art form.   Below is a weaving from our Exclusive Navajo Churro Collection that represents some of the best weavings of today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/churro-collection-2001-gallery\" title=\"Getzwiller Collection of Contemporary Navajo Weavings 1975-2000\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/burntwater-navajo-rug-elsie-bia-1779-medium\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/churro-1779-elsie-bia-burntwater-navajo-rug_f9d344ba-dbd3-48c3-bfbf-c2abb8553a44_480x480.jpg?v=1748891303\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/burntwater-navajo-rug-elsie-bia-1779-medium\"\u003eBurntwater Navajo Rug : Elsie Bia : Churro 1779 : 50\" x 72\" (4'2\" x 6') : $ 9,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplexity\/Tightness \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/navajo-rug-descriptions\" title=\"Navajo Rug Styles Descriptions\"\u003eThere are 28+ Styles of Navajo Rugs\u003c\/a\u003e. Some Styles are more difficult to weave than others. Complexity and tightness of the weave affect the value. Generally speaking, the tighter and finer the weave, the more valuable the piece. Teec Nos Pos is generally considered one of the most intricate design.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\" title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"extra large Teec Nos Pos Navajo rug for sale\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/products\/very-large-teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-churro-1574_large.jpg?v=1535408665\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003eNavajo Churro Collection,  \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\" title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\"\u003eTeec Nos Pos,  Geraldine Phillips,  6\"1\" x 12'1\", Churro wool, Circa 2015  Geraldine won Best of Category for large rugs in 2015.  Churro # 1574\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003e, $16,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNatural Dyes vs Aniline \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing natural dyes vs aniline dyes (commercial chemical dye).  Natural dyes add value because of the extra time it takes to hand dye the wool.  Hand dying wool with natural dyes can take almost as much time as weaving the rug.  See a previous blog we wrote on natural dyes:  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/blogs\/news\/dyeing-art\" title=\"Blog on using natural dyes\"\u003eAn Organic Experience\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/small-weavings\/products\/chinle-navajo-rug-helen-bia-churro-1703-26-x-36-22-x-3?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=a44e9753d\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Churro-1703-helen-bia-chinle-navajo-rug_3_480x480.jpg?v=1748632545\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/small-weavings\/products\/chinle-navajo-rug-helen-bia-churro-1703-26-x-36-22-x-3?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=a44e9753d\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eChinle : Navajo Rug : Helen Bia : Churro 1703 : 26\" x 36\" (2'2\" x 3') : $ 4,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance is the history and ownership of the weaving.  When the history of a weaving can be verified it takes on a whole new value.  Again we go back to the Antique Road Show Episode with the well known Ute Chiefs blanket.  The provenance (proof) went all the way back to Kit Carson.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\" title=\"PBS Antique Roadshow Ute First Phase Blanket\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/www-tc.pbs.org\/prod-media\/antiques-roadshow\/__sized__\/Images\/Tucson_20010609_01\/200101A48\/IMG0002-crop-c0-39__0-43-676x380.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\" title=\"Antique Roadshow Ute Blanket\"\u003e First Phase Ute Blanket, circa 1850,  PBS Antique Roadshow \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Bottom Line \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eIf you want to get an accurate value on a weaving,  contact a certified appraiser that specializes in Native American art, or better yet Navajo weavings.  Nizhoni Ranch does not do appraisals, as we are not certified appraisers.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-08T13:54:20-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-08T13:50:29-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48224463913182,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"What is My Rug Worth?","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/What_is_my_rug_worth_d1b84c8c-0c61-46fd-ab83-2bbda374af1b.jpg?v=1778273613"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/What_is_my_rug_worth_d1b84c8c-0c61-46fd-ab83-2bbda374af1b.jpg?v=1778273613","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":38204426420446,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.427,"height":646,"width":922,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/What_is_my_rug_worth_d1b84c8c-0c61-46fd-ab83-2bbda374af1b.jpg?v=1778273613"},"aspect_ratio":1.427,"height":646,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/What_is_my_rug_worth_d1b84c8c-0c61-46fd-ab83-2bbda374af1b.jpg?v=1778273613","width":922}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/ChambersTradingPost_480x480.jpg?v=1548713221\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery we get our fair share of inquiries about Navajo rugs people have inherited from family members or picked up at a thrift show or estate sale.  Most stories begin with something like \"my grandmother bought a weaving from a trading post while vacationing in the Southwest\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main question we are asked is \"what is it worth?\"   The answer is:  it depends...  In valuing weavings we suggest keeping the following things at the forefront:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize, Condition, Complexity of Design, Age, Tightness of weave, Types of dyes used (natural vs aniline) and provenance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eYes, size matters - a lot.  Big rugs are rare which of course increases value.  Past and present weavers typically weave small to medium size rugs.  One reason is limited space.  The larger the rug, the larger the loom.  Many Navajo live in homes that have low ceilings and low square footage, which makes it nearly impossible for many weavers to take on large rugs.  Another is the amount of time it takes to weave large rugs.  Large rugs can take a year or more to complete.  Weaver's payday typically come when they sell their rug.  Which means fewer weavers then and now take on large rugs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo_weavers_l_large.jpg?v=1549481508\" alt=\"Navajo Weavers at loom\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe condition of a Navajo Rug will of course affect the value.  Pay attention to any damage,  if it is clean,  if there is any fading (one side is lighter than the other), if the wool colors have runs, stains, etc. There are talented rug restores out there, yet some issues just cannot be fixed.  Navajo rugs that have serious damage may not be worth the original cost or even the cost to restore it.  One rug restoration company we highly recommend is: \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/enverfromdenver.com\/\" title=\"Enver From Denver website\"\u003eEnver From Denver. \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly 1800's to 1950\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavajo rugs before the 1950's we consider historic or antique.  Navajo weavings started to become popular at about the turn of the century. Navajo Textiles from 1800's have a much higher value - and they don't have to be in perfect condition.  Here is an \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cGlS05233Q\"\u003eepisode from Antiques Roadshow.  \u003c\/a\u003eWorth the watch and this weaving is worth up to 7 figures.  This episode brought us all to tears here at NRG.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cGlS05233Q\" title=\"Lt and his amazing rags to riches story\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Astonishing Antique Roadshow Find - 1st Phase Ute Chief Blanket!\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Clb5DqoXEAAGgJ7_300x.jpg?v=1634329812\" width=\"530\" height=\"353\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1940 to 1970 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn mid 1900 the Southwest was all the rage.  The Navajo keyed in on this and began weaving rugs for tourists.  A perfect and inexpensive souvenir that could easily fit in a suitcase to take home.  Navajo weavers would set up along side tourist routes.  Few tourists could resist a beautiful piece of art.  The weavings were small in size, designs were simple yet colorful, not always finely woven and not with the best wool.  These weavings typically have a moderate value.  Not necessarily a valuable family heirloom, but a warm reminder of who passed it down.\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/products\/gallup-throw-navajo-weaving-lilly-tracey-3431-15-x-19-13-x-17-copy\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Throw-rug-navajo-3432_9693a4b5-73e9-499d-9bbc-7f0c086b0dd6_480x480.jpg?v=1748891004\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/products\/gallup-throw-navajo-weaving-lilly-tracey-3431-15-x-19-13-x-17-copy\"\u003eThrow Navajo Weaving : 3432 : 14\" x 23\" (1'2\" x 1'11\") : $700\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1970 to Present \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\" title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Contemporary weavings\"\u003eContemporary Navajo rugs\u003c\/a\u003e, can range from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/under-500\" title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery contemporary rugs under $500\"\u003eUNDER $500 \u003c\/a\u003eup to many thousands of dollars. The number of Navajo weavers working today is dwindling. Many Navajo are not learning this sacred Navajo weaving tradition, as it is a very time consuming, the pay is inconsistent and requires discipline in learning the art form.   Below is a weaving from our Exclusive Navajo Churro Collection that represents some of the best weavings of today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/churro-collection-2001-gallery\" title=\"Getzwiller Collection of Contemporary Navajo Weavings 1975-2000\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/burntwater-navajo-rug-elsie-bia-1779-medium\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/churro-1779-elsie-bia-burntwater-navajo-rug_f9d344ba-dbd3-48c3-bfbf-c2abb8553a44_480x480.jpg?v=1748891303\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/burntwater-navajo-rug-elsie-bia-1779-medium\"\u003eBurntwater Navajo Rug : Elsie Bia : Churro 1779 : 50\" x 72\" (4'2\" x 6') : $ 9,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComplexity\/Tightness \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/navajo-rug-descriptions\" title=\"Navajo Rug Styles Descriptions\"\u003eThere are 28+ Styles of Navajo Rugs\u003c\/a\u003e. Some Styles are more difficult to weave than others. Complexity and tightness of the weave affect the value. Generally speaking, the tighter and finer the weave, the more valuable the piece. Teec Nos Pos is generally considered one of the most intricate design.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\" title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"extra large Teec Nos Pos Navajo rug for sale\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/products\/very-large-teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-churro-1574_large.jpg?v=1535408665\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003eNavajo Churro Collection,  \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\" title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\"\u003eTeec Nos Pos,  Geraldine Phillips,  6\"1\" x 12'1\", Churro wool, Circa 2015  Geraldine won Best of Category for large rugs in 2015.  Churro # 1574\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003e, $16,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNatural Dyes vs Aniline \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing natural dyes vs aniline dyes (commercial chemical dye).  Natural dyes add value because of the extra time it takes to hand dye the wool.  Hand dying wool with natural dyes can take almost as much time as weaving the rug.  See a previous blog we wrote on natural dyes:  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/blogs\/news\/dyeing-art\" title=\"Blog on using natural dyes\"\u003eAn Organic Experience\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/small-weavings\/products\/chinle-navajo-rug-helen-bia-churro-1703-26-x-36-22-x-3?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=a44e9753d\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Churro-1703-helen-bia-chinle-navajo-rug_3_480x480.jpg?v=1748632545\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/small-weavings\/products\/chinle-navajo-rug-helen-bia-churro-1703-26-x-36-22-x-3?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=a44e9753d\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eChinle : Navajo Rug : Helen Bia : Churro 1703 : 26\" x 36\" (2'2\" x 3') : $ 4,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance is the history and ownership of the weaving.  When the history of a weaving can be verified it takes on a whole new value.  Again we go back to the Antique Road Show Episode with the well known Ute Chiefs blanket.  The provenance (proof) went all the way back to Kit Carson.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\" title=\"PBS Antique Roadshow Ute First Phase Blanket\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/www-tc.pbs.org\/prod-media\/antiques-roadshow\/__sized__\/Images\/Tucson_20010609_01\/200101A48\/IMG0002-crop-c0-39__0-43-676x380.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\" title=\"Antique Roadshow Ute Blanket\"\u003e First Phase Ute Blanket, circa 1850,  PBS Antique Roadshow \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Bottom Line \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eIf you want to get an accurate value on a weaving,  contact a certified appraiser that specializes in Native American art, or better yet Navajo weavings.  Nizhoni Ranch does not do appraisals, as we are not certified appraisers.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

{"id":9210104742110,"title":"Deliberate Imperfection? You bet!","handle":"deliberate-imperfection-you-bet-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntentional Flaw?  Deliberate Mistake?  Perfectly Imperfect?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecently a new collector inquired about how much would a weavings value and collectability be diminished if the weaver made a mistake in the mirror image of the design.  The answer is\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ezero.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavajo are deeply religious.  They believe nothing is perfect, except for the Gods.  They were given the gift of weaving by the Gods and taught by Spiderwoman herself - an important deity to the Navajo.  To honor the Gods, Navajo weavers deliberately incorporate an imperfection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/daisy2_480x480.jpg?v=1638824488\" alt=\"Daisy Taugelchee\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs protection from harm, a textile is sometimes woven with an insertion of a foreign object.  This may be a small piece of feather, hairs or a piece of sinew from an animal.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is taught that if a  feather falls from a bird in flight and is caught before it touches the ground, the feather becomes a symbol of deliverance and should be woven into a textile.  Hairs from a goat, a bobcat, a bear, shavings of  bear claw, granules of corn and unknown red or black fibers can be woven into a textile.  Items of protection and power are woven into textiles secretly.  The weaver does not want them to be seen easily.  Saddle blankets, for example, can contain a wide array of special items, including a piece of sinew from animals such as cougars, wildcats or even squirrels, whose strength gives the animals added quickness, regardless of size.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollen is considered a very sacred substance and is used ceremonially as an offering to the Holy People in a gesture of supplication and protection.  A knot, often erroneously thought to be where the ends of a broken warp were tied together, usually contains a pinch of pollen and is woven into the textile quite purposefully by the weaver to seek protection from harm.\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tucsondart.org\/\" title=\"Tucson Desert Art Museum\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften times one must closely study weavings to find the deliberate mistake. Here at the gallery we enjoy looking for and finding the change up in the design. Even our eyes miss them sometimes.  It becomes a bit of a game.  Some weavings may only have one, others have a few.  When we find a weaving with several flaws we imagine the weaver may have been overly superstitious and wanted to ensure the Gods would be pleased and no bad luck would follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the most important pieces collected have fairly obvious deliberate imperfections.  One example is the 3rd Phase Chief Blanket which is on the front cover of Navajo Textiles by Nancy J. Blomberg.  That 3rd Phase is part of the William Randolph Hearst Collection.  Without working too hard we came up with 7 imperfections in the design.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/scan0027_480x480.jpg?v=1638473628\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a weaving that we currently have available.  Can you find an imperfection?   At the bottom of this blog we will share what we have found.  Warning - this is a tough one but give it a shot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/jb-moore-plate-variant-historic-pc-104\" title=\"JB Moore Navajo Rug : Historic : PC 104\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/PC104g_1400x_8cc67dda-8160-47f5-85f8-1a807cce4d17_480x480.jpg?v=1638476227\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJB Moore Navajo Rug : Historic : PC 104\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is another deliberate imperfection called the Spirit Line or Spirit Pathway. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNavajo believe that when weaving a rug, the weaver entwines part of her or his  spirit into the rug.  The spirit line prevents the weavers spirit from being trapped and allows weaver's spirit to safely exit the rug.  Spirit Lines are found in rugs with a border - however not all bordered rugs have spirit lines.  It is up to the weaver as to how they will incorporate their personal deliberate imperfection.  Look to the top right corner of the weaving below for the Spirit Line.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/pc_83g_1400x_82aac16b-2a09-4002-a837-b42c5ea6b55f_480x480.jpg?v=1638476500\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavajo Double Saddle Blanket : Historic : PC 83 (no longer available)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot a surprise we adore Navajo weavings and are honored we can share our collections with the world.  While we have been in this business for more than half of a century there is still much to learn about Navajo weaving, past and present.  Without a doubt Navajo have been given the gift of weaving by the Gods and for that we cannot be more thankful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHere is the answer from the challenge above.  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/scan0028_480x480.jpg?v=1638477411\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"Article__Header\"\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Article__Body Rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Here is another to try.  Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/teec-nos-pos-historic-pc-88\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/pc_88_1400x_882abc84-d854-49b1-9fb6-869f90c0ace9_480x480.jpg?v=1638478654\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/teec-nos-pos-historic-pc-88\"\u003eTeec Nos Pos Navajo Weaving : Historic : PC 88\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-08T14:00:33-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-08T13:57:41-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48224465387742,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deliberate Imperfection? You bet!","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pc-167-teec-nos-pos-native-american-rug-antique_4.jpg?v=1778274008"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pc-167-teec-nos-pos-native-american-rug-antique_4.jpg?v=1778274008","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":38204472197342,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.515,"height":924,"width":1400,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pc-167-teec-nos-pos-native-american-rug-antique_4.jpg?v=1778274008"},"aspect_ratio":1.515,"height":924,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pc-167-teec-nos-pos-native-american-rug-antique_4.jpg?v=1778274008","width":1400}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntentional Flaw?  Deliberate Mistake?  Perfectly Imperfect?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecently a new collector inquired about how much would a weavings value and collectability be diminished if the weaver made a mistake in the mirror image of the design.  The answer is\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ezero.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavajo are deeply religious.  They believe nothing is perfect, except for the Gods.  They were given the gift of weaving by the Gods and taught by Spiderwoman herself - an important deity to the Navajo.  To honor the Gods, Navajo weavers deliberately incorporate an imperfection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/daisy2_480x480.jpg?v=1638824488\" alt=\"Daisy Taugelchee\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs protection from harm, a textile is sometimes woven with an insertion of a foreign object.  This may be a small piece of feather, hairs or a piece of sinew from an animal.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is taught that if a  feather falls from a bird in flight and is caught before it touches the ground, the feather becomes a symbol of deliverance and should be woven into a textile.  Hairs from a goat, a bobcat, a bear, shavings of  bear claw, granules of corn and unknown red or black fibers can be woven into a textile.  Items of protection and power are woven into textiles secretly.  The weaver does not want them to be seen easily.  Saddle blankets, for example, can contain a wide array of special items, including a piece of sinew from animals such as cougars, wildcats or even squirrels, whose strength gives the animals added quickness, regardless of size.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollen is considered a very sacred substance and is used ceremonially as an offering to the Holy People in a gesture of supplication and protection.  A knot, often erroneously thought to be where the ends of a broken warp were tied together, usually contains a pinch of pollen and is woven into the textile quite purposefully by the weaver to seek protection from harm.\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tucsondart.org\/\" title=\"Tucson Desert Art Museum\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften times one must closely study weavings to find the deliberate mistake. Here at the gallery we enjoy looking for and finding the change up in the design. Even our eyes miss them sometimes.  It becomes a bit of a game.  Some weavings may only have one, others have a few.  When we find a weaving with several flaws we imagine the weaver may have been overly superstitious and wanted to ensure the Gods would be pleased and no bad luck would follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the most important pieces collected have fairly obvious deliberate imperfections.  One example is the 3rd Phase Chief Blanket which is on the front cover of Navajo Textiles by Nancy J. Blomberg.  That 3rd Phase is part of the William Randolph Hearst Collection.  Without working too hard we came up with 7 imperfections in the design.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/scan0027_480x480.jpg?v=1638473628\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a weaving that we currently have available.  Can you find an imperfection?   At the bottom of this blog we will share what we have found.  Warning - this is a tough one but give it a shot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/jb-moore-plate-variant-historic-pc-104\" title=\"JB Moore Navajo Rug : Historic : PC 104\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/PC104g_1400x_8cc67dda-8160-47f5-85f8-1a807cce4d17_480x480.jpg?v=1638476227\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJB Moore Navajo Rug : Historic : PC 104\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is another deliberate imperfection called the Spirit Line or Spirit Pathway. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNavajo believe that when weaving a rug, the weaver entwines part of her or his  spirit into the rug.  The spirit line prevents the weavers spirit from being trapped and allows weaver's spirit to safely exit the rug.  Spirit Lines are found in rugs with a border - however not all bordered rugs have spirit lines.  It is up to the weaver as to how they will incorporate their personal deliberate imperfection.  Look to the top right corner of the weaving below for the Spirit Line.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/pc_83g_1400x_82aac16b-2a09-4002-a837-b42c5ea6b55f_480x480.jpg?v=1638476500\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavajo Double Saddle Blanket : Historic : PC 83 (no longer available)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot a surprise we adore Navajo weavings and are honored we can share our collections with the world.  While we have been in this business for more than half of a century there is still much to learn about Navajo weaving, past and present.  Without a doubt Navajo have been given the gift of weaving by the Gods and for that we cannot be more thankful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHere is the answer from the challenge above.  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/scan0028_480x480.jpg?v=1638477411\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"Article__Header\"\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Article__Body Rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Here is another to try.  Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/teec-nos-pos-historic-pc-88\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/pc_88_1400x_882abc84-d854-49b1-9fb6-869f90c0ace9_480x480.jpg?v=1638478654\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/teec-nos-pos-historic-pc-88\"\u003eTeec Nos Pos Navajo Weaving : Historic : PC 88\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}

{"id":9210108412126,"title":"Nizhoni means Beautiful","handle":"nizhoni-means-beautiful","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #008080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndian Paintbrush Wild Flowers In the Pasture At Nizhoni Ranch Gallery. Growing wild at Nizhoni, a very special treat, since this plant has often been used as a natural dye by the Navajo in their Navajo Rugs. They would gather it and use a family tested recipe to turn it into a beautiful dye.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Steve and Gail chose a fitting name for the Gallery. Nizhoni means Beautiful in the Navajo language. The spring rains have brought out the color in our high desert landscape. \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWe thought you might enjoy a few glamour shots! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2948.jpg?4646054022266515338\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30500\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2948.jpg?4646054022266515338\" alt=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" width=\"604\" height=\"400\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe view from our office window can't get much better !\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2877.jpg?1468282230933498341\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30497\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2877-600x397.jpg?15322005789856872079\" alt=\"Wonderful Roses\" width=\"558\" height=\"369\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2932.jpg?34603114643691946\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30499\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2932.jpg?34603114643691946\" alt=\"Beautiful Roses\" width=\"558\" height=\"370\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2931.jpg?7577524869974585183\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30498\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2931.jpg?7577524869974585183\" alt=\"Snapdragon flowers\" width=\"570\" height=\"378\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-08T14:04:20-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-08T14:01:36-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48224470728926,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Nizhoni means Beautiful","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0042.jpg?v=1778274234"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0042.jpg?v=1778274234","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":38204496216286,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":1365,"width":2048,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0042.jpg?v=1778274234"},"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":1365,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0042.jpg?v=1778274234","width":2048}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #008080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndian Paintbrush Wild Flowers In the Pasture At Nizhoni Ranch Gallery. Growing wild at Nizhoni, a very special treat, since this plant has often been used as a natural dye by the Navajo in their Navajo Rugs. They would gather it and use a family tested recipe to turn it into a beautiful dye.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Steve and Gail chose a fitting name for the Gallery. Nizhoni means Beautiful in the Navajo language. The spring rains have brought out the color in our high desert landscape. \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWe thought you might enjoy a few glamour shots! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2948.jpg?4646054022266515338\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30500\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2948.jpg?4646054022266515338\" alt=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" width=\"604\" height=\"400\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe view from our office window can't get much better !\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2877.jpg?1468282230933498341\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30497\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2877-600x397.jpg?15322005789856872079\" alt=\"Wonderful Roses\" width=\"558\" height=\"369\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2932.jpg?34603114643691946\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30499\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2932.jpg?34603114643691946\" alt=\"Beautiful Roses\" width=\"558\" height=\"370\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2931.jpg?7577524869974585183\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30498\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/DSC_2931.jpg?7577524869974585183\" alt=\"Snapdragon flowers\" width=\"570\" height=\"378\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

{"id":9210104545502,"title":"Spider Woman and Spider Rock - Deity Who Taught the Navajo how to Weave - and more!","handle":"spider-woman-and-spider-rock-deity-who-taught-the-navajo-how-to-weave-and-more","description":"\u003ch6 class=\"pageheader1\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/download_8_spider_woman.jpg?v=1778182683\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpider Woman and Spider Rock\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Navajo legend, Spider Woman lives at the top of Spider Rock, a 750 foot spire in Canyon De Chelly.  She was first to weave the web of the universe. She taught the Navajo women how to use a loom - made of sunlight, lighting and rain to create blankets and rugs, bringing both functionality and sacred art to the people (Diné).  By sharing the gift of weaving she showed Navajo weavers how to create beauty in their own life and to spread the \"Beauty Way\" teaching of balance within the mind, body \u0026amp; soul (hózhó). On the other hand Spider Woman has a bit of a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003edark side\u003c\/strong\u003e. But let's start off with the bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the Navajo creation story\u003c\/strong\u003e, the first world was small and pitch black. There were four seas and an island. In the very middle of the island was a single pine tree. Ants, dragonflies, locusts and beetles lived there and made up the Air-Spirit People of the first world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second world was known as the Blue world, where life was given to Spider Woman \u0026amp; Spider Man. Only their inner spirits or souls were made. Their physical bodies were made later to contain their spirits when they evolved into future worlds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the third, known as the Yellow world the holy ones advised Spider Woman that she had the capabilities of weaving a map of the universe and the geometrical patterns of the spirit beings in the night sky.  At first she did not know what they meant, and was not told how it could be done. Curiosity became her energy and driving force to learn to weave as the holy ones instructed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a beautiful day when she was out on the land, exploring and gathering food, she came upon a small young tree. She touched it with her right hand and wrapped her fingers around one of its branches. As she was letting go, a string streamed out the center of her palm and wrapped around the tree branch. She was not quite sure what the string was. At first she shook her hand to release the string, but it would not break free. She thought if she kept wrapping the string around the branch it might let go.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpider Woman started maneuvering and manipulating the string into various shapes. At this particular moment, she knew this was the weaving the holy people instructed her to do. Immediately she broke the string with her left hand without hesitation. She sat and thought carefully about how to use her new gift. For the rest of the day she sat close to the tree and wrapped the string into various patterns on other branches of the small tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe holy ones heard about Spider Woman's new talent and came to visit her. During the visit the holy ones instructed Spider Man to construct a weaving loom and also create the tools used in the various processes of weaving. At this time Spider Woman began to sing the weaving songs, given to her by the holy ones. The songs empower the weavings and the weaving tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDine (Navajo) of today live in the fourth world, known as the \"Glittering World\". Young weavers are instructed to find a spider web in the early morning, glistening with sunlight and sparkles. They are told to place the palm of their right hand upon the spider's webbing without destroying or damaging the web. At that moment Spider Woman's gift of weaving enters the young weaver's spirit, where it lives forever. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpider Woman's dark side.  \u003c\/strong\u003eNavajo elders warn young children that Spider Woman is always on the look out for mischievous and disobedient children. When she finds them, she spins them tight with her web and takes them to the top of Spider Rock. There she boils and eats them. Their left over bones melt in the sun which create the white bands at the very top of Spider Rock. Yikes. Kids, be on your best behavior!   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Cara Gorman Master WEaver Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Navajo Rugs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/cara-gorman\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cara Gorman Spider Rock Navajo Rug Master Weaver Nizhoni Rnach Gallery\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Cara-Gorman-R1_1024x1024_884fbc47-d239-4e8e-9735-0debdb3e7af3_large.jpg?v=1525721158\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Cara Gorman Rugs Weavings Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/cara-gorman\"\u003eCara Gorman,  Master Navajo Weaver\u003c\/a\u003e, close enough to Spider Rock to see the white bands \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Elsie Bia Master Navajo Weaver rugs Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/ganado-klagetoh-navajo-weaving-elsie-bia-churro-1496\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Elsie Bia Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Navajo Rug\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/elsie-bia_1024x1024_9c45d8b4-fa32-4fd2-bd94-05ccc9a9584a_grande.jpg?v=1525457097\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Elsie Bia Navajo Rugs Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/elsie-bia\"\u003eElsie Bia,  Master Navajo Weaver, near Spider Rock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-08T13:55:53-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-08T13:55:53-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48224464928990,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Spider Woman and Spider Rock - Deity Who Taught the Navajo how to Weave - and more!","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SouthRim447.jpg?v=1778273790"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SouthRim447.jpg?v=1778273790","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":38204451946718,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.501,"height":1066,"width":1600,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SouthRim447.jpg?v=1778273790"},"aspect_ratio":1.501,"height":1066,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SouthRim447.jpg?v=1778273790","width":1600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6 class=\"pageheader1\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/download_8_spider_woman.jpg?v=1778182683\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpider Woman and Spider Rock\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Navajo legend, Spider Woman lives at the top of Spider Rock, a 750 foot spire in Canyon De Chelly.  She was first to weave the web of the universe. She taught the Navajo women how to use a loom - made of sunlight, lighting and rain to create blankets and rugs, bringing both functionality and sacred art to the people (Diné).  By sharing the gift of weaving she showed Navajo weavers how to create beauty in their own life and to spread the \"Beauty Way\" teaching of balance within the mind, body \u0026amp; soul (hózhó). On the other hand Spider Woman has a bit of a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003edark side\u003c\/strong\u003e. But let's start off with the bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the Navajo creation story\u003c\/strong\u003e, the first world was small and pitch black. There were four seas and an island. In the very middle of the island was a single pine tree. Ants, dragonflies, locusts and beetles lived there and made up the Air-Spirit People of the first world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second world was known as the Blue world, where life was given to Spider Woman \u0026amp; Spider Man. Only their inner spirits or souls were made. Their physical bodies were made later to contain their spirits when they evolved into future worlds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the third, known as the Yellow world the holy ones advised Spider Woman that she had the capabilities of weaving a map of the universe and the geometrical patterns of the spirit beings in the night sky.  At first she did not know what they meant, and was not told how it could be done. Curiosity became her energy and driving force to learn to weave as the holy ones instructed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a beautiful day when she was out on the land, exploring and gathering food, she came upon a small young tree. She touched it with her right hand and wrapped her fingers around one of its branches. As she was letting go, a string streamed out the center of her palm and wrapped around the tree branch. She was not quite sure what the string was. At first she shook her hand to release the string, but it would not break free. She thought if she kept wrapping the string around the branch it might let go.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpider Woman started maneuvering and manipulating the string into various shapes. At this particular moment, she knew this was the weaving the holy people instructed her to do. Immediately she broke the string with her left hand without hesitation. She sat and thought carefully about how to use her new gift. For the rest of the day she sat close to the tree and wrapped the string into various patterns on other branches of the small tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe holy ones heard about Spider Woman's new talent and came to visit her. During the visit the holy ones instructed Spider Man to construct a weaving loom and also create the tools used in the various processes of weaving. At this time Spider Woman began to sing the weaving songs, given to her by the holy ones. The songs empower the weavings and the weaving tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDine (Navajo) of today live in the fourth world, known as the \"Glittering World\". Young weavers are instructed to find a spider web in the early morning, glistening with sunlight and sparkles. They are told to place the palm of their right hand upon the spider's webbing without destroying or damaging the web. At that moment Spider Woman's gift of weaving enters the young weaver's spirit, where it lives forever. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpider Woman's dark side.  \u003c\/strong\u003eNavajo elders warn young children that Spider Woman is always on the look out for mischievous and disobedient children. When she finds them, she spins them tight with her web and takes them to the top of Spider Rock. There she boils and eats them. Their left over bones melt in the sun which create the white bands at the very top of Spider Rock. Yikes. Kids, be on your best behavior!   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Cara Gorman Master WEaver Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Navajo Rugs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/cara-gorman\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cara Gorman Spider Rock Navajo Rug Master Weaver Nizhoni Rnach Gallery\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Cara-Gorman-R1_1024x1024_884fbc47-d239-4e8e-9735-0debdb3e7af3_large.jpg?v=1525721158\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Cara Gorman Rugs Weavings Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/cara-gorman\"\u003eCara Gorman,  Master Navajo Weaver\u003c\/a\u003e, close enough to Spider Rock to see the white bands \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Elsie Bia Master Navajo Weaver rugs Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/ganado-klagetoh-navajo-weaving-elsie-bia-churro-1496\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Elsie Bia Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Navajo Rug\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/elsie-bia_1024x1024_9c45d8b4-fa32-4fd2-bd94-05ccc9a9584a_grande.jpg?v=1525457097\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Elsie Bia Navajo Rugs Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/elsie-bia\"\u003eElsie Bia,  Master Navajo Weaver, near Spider Rock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}

{"id":9210100515038,"title":"Foes of Evil: The Navajo Story of Twins Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water","handle":"foes-of-evil-the-navajo-myth-of-twins-monster-slayer-and-born-for-water","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBy: Aleksa Vuckovic, 8-10-2024\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Foes of Evil: The Navajo Myth of Twins Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ancient-origins.net\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/article_image\/public\/field\/image\/Foes%20of%20Evil%20The%20Navajo%20Myth%20of%20Twins%20Monster%20Slayer%20and%20Born-For-Water.jpg?itok=J-ATnP5q\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Native American tribes boast a very complex and thought-provoking set of beliefs and traditions, in which the legend of heroic twin brothers is often shared and found in many tribes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the myths of the Navajo tribe, these twins are known as Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water, and are central figures in the tribe’s mythology, embodying themes of bravery, protection, and the struggle against evil. Their story is not just a tale of heroism but a complex set of cultural beliefs, values, and the enduring relationship between the Navajo people and their environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tale of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water begins with their mother, Changing Woman (Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehi), one of the most revered deities in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ancient-origins.net\/myths-legends-americas\/navajo-mythology-0016193\"\u003eNavajo mythology\u003c\/a\u003e.  Changing Woman represents life, fertility, and transformation. According to the myths, she conceived the twins with the Sun, who gave her two pieces of turquoise and abalone shell, which transformed into the twins. The Changing Woman raised her sons on Gobernador Knob, a Navajo sacred mountain, where they learned about their divine heritage and the destiny that awaited them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs they grew older, Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water became aware of the many monsters that plagued their people. These monsters were the personification of chaos and danger in the world. Determined to rid their land of these threats, the twins embarked on a perilous journey to the Sun's house to seek guidance and weapons. Their journey was fraught with challenges, including crossing a vast desert and overcoming numerous obstacles that tested their courage and resolve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWarriors of the Sun\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach battle was not only a physical confrontation but also a spiritual one. The twins relied on their wit, bravery, and the teachings of their mother and father. They invoked prayers and rituals to ensure their success, highlighting the deep connection between their physical prowess and their spiritual strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can quickly understand that the story of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water is more than an epic adventure; it is a cornerstone of Navajo cultural identity. The twins symbolize the triumph of good over evil, the importance of bravery, and the necessity of working together for the greater good. Their tale is recounted in various\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eceremonies\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand rituals, serving as a reminder of the values that underpin Navajo society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most significant ceremonies associated with the twins is the Enemy Way (Anaaʼjí). This healing ceremony is performed to restore balance and harmony for individuals who have been in conflict or war. The stories of the twins are recited during the ceremony, emphasizing their role as protectors and healers. The twins’ journey and victories also serve as metaphors for overcoming personal and communal challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn contemporary Navajo culture, the story of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water continues to be a source of inspiration. Their legacy is preserved through oral traditions, storytelling, and art. Navajo artists often depict the twins in paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, each piece capturing the essence of their heroism and spiritual significance. What is more, their story resonates beyond the Navajo Nation, offering universal themes of courage, resilience, and the fight against adversity. Scholars and enthusiasts of \u003c\/span\u003eNative American\u003cspan\u003e mythology study the twins’ tale to gain deeper insights into the rich cultural heritage of the \u003c\/span\u003eNavajo people\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog_post\"\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg width=\"610\" height=\"407\" class=\"media-image\" alt=\"Traditional Dinétah territory (northwestern New Mexico), where Gobernador Knob (Chʼóolʼį́ʼí) is located. (U.S. Geological Survey\/CC BY 2.0)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ancient-origins.net\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/large\/public\/Traditional%20Din%C3%A9tah%20territory%20%28northwestern%20New%20Mexico%29%2C%20where%20Gobernador%20Knob%20%28Ch%CA%BC%C3%B3ol%CA%BC%C4%AF%CC%81%CA%BC%C3%AD%29%20is%20located.jpg?itok=82isJU2c\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTraditional Dinétah territory (northwestern New Mexico), where Gobernador Knob (Chʼóolʼį́ʼí) is located. (U.S. Geological Survey\/\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Shiprock_3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content_add_block\" id=\"article-add-7\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gazeta-ads-block\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-google-query-id=\"CPia1PLHpZQDFd9XCAQdpC4lRg\" data-lazy-callback=\"lazy_cb_9vk1rt2z0l\" id=\"gpt_unit_\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_2_0\" data-adpath=\"\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_2\" data-onpage=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content_add_block\" id=\"article-add-12\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gazeta-ads-block\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-google-query-id=\"CNHe1vXHpZQDFfz6_QUdWs0UjQ\" data-lazy-callback=\"lazy_cb_4krikuaqz7g\" id=\"gpt_unit_\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_3_0\" data-adpath=\"\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_3\" data-onpage=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-08T13:30:04-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-08T13:30:03-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48224438812894,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Foes of Evil: The Navajo Story of Twins Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":1,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9798284962107_cfa04b20-b1b9-4acd-acda-65598e1b4183.jpg?v=1778272742"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9798284962107_cfa04b20-b1b9-4acd-acda-65598e1b4183.jpg?v=1778272742","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":38204321235166,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":400,"width":263,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9798284962107_cfa04b20-b1b9-4acd-acda-65598e1b4183.jpg?v=1778272742"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":400,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/9798284962107_cfa04b20-b1b9-4acd-acda-65598e1b4183.jpg?v=1778272742","width":263}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch3\u003eBy: Aleksa Vuckovic, 8-10-2024\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Foes of Evil: The Navajo Myth of Twins Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ancient-origins.net\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/article_image\/public\/field\/image\/Foes%20of%20Evil%20The%20Navajo%20Myth%20of%20Twins%20Monster%20Slayer%20and%20Born-For-Water.jpg?itok=J-ATnP5q\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Native American tribes boast a very complex and thought-provoking set of beliefs and traditions, in which the legend of heroic twin brothers is often shared and found in many tribes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the myths of the Navajo tribe, these twins are known as Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water, and are central figures in the tribe’s mythology, embodying themes of bravery, protection, and the struggle against evil. Their story is not just a tale of heroism but a complex set of cultural beliefs, values, and the enduring relationship between the Navajo people and their environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tale of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water begins with their mother, Changing Woman (Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehi), one of the most revered deities in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ancient-origins.net\/myths-legends-americas\/navajo-mythology-0016193\"\u003eNavajo mythology\u003c\/a\u003e.  Changing Woman represents life, fertility, and transformation. According to the myths, she conceived the twins with the Sun, who gave her two pieces of turquoise and abalone shell, which transformed into the twins. The Changing Woman raised her sons on Gobernador Knob, a Navajo sacred mountain, where they learned about their divine heritage and the destiny that awaited them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs they grew older, Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water became aware of the many monsters that plagued their people. These monsters were the personification of chaos and danger in the world. Determined to rid their land of these threats, the twins embarked on a perilous journey to the Sun's house to seek guidance and weapons. Their journey was fraught with challenges, including crossing a vast desert and overcoming numerous obstacles that tested their courage and resolve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWarriors of the Sun\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach battle was not only a physical confrontation but also a spiritual one. The twins relied on their wit, bravery, and the teachings of their mother and father. They invoked prayers and rituals to ensure their success, highlighting the deep connection between their physical prowess and their spiritual strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can quickly understand that the story of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water is more than an epic adventure; it is a cornerstone of Navajo cultural identity. The twins symbolize the triumph of good over evil, the importance of bravery, and the necessity of working together for the greater good. Their tale is recounted in various\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eceremonies\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand rituals, serving as a reminder of the values that underpin Navajo society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most significant ceremonies associated with the twins is the Enemy Way (Anaaʼjí). This healing ceremony is performed to restore balance and harmony for individuals who have been in conflict or war. The stories of the twins are recited during the ceremony, emphasizing their role as protectors and healers. The twins’ journey and victories also serve as metaphors for overcoming personal and communal challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn contemporary Navajo culture, the story of Monster Slayer and Born-For-Water continues to be a source of inspiration. Their legacy is preserved through oral traditions, storytelling, and art. Navajo artists often depict the twins in paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, each piece capturing the essence of their heroism and spiritual significance. What is more, their story resonates beyond the Navajo Nation, offering universal themes of courage, resilience, and the fight against adversity. Scholars and enthusiasts of \u003c\/span\u003eNative American\u003cspan\u003e mythology study the twins’ tale to gain deeper insights into the rich cultural heritage of the \u003c\/span\u003eNavajo people\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog_post\"\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg width=\"610\" height=\"407\" class=\"media-image\" alt=\"Traditional Dinétah territory (northwestern New Mexico), where Gobernador Knob (Chʼóolʼį́ʼí) is located. (U.S. Geological Survey\/CC BY 2.0)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ancient-origins.net\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/large\/public\/Traditional%20Din%C3%A9tah%20territory%20%28northwestern%20New%20Mexico%29%2C%20where%20Gobernador%20Knob%20%28Ch%CA%BC%C3%B3ol%CA%BC%C4%AF%CC%81%CA%BC%C3%AD%29%20is%20located.jpg?itok=82isJU2c\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTraditional Dinétah territory (northwestern New Mexico), where Gobernador Knob (Chʼóolʼį́ʼí) is located. (U.S. Geological Survey\/\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Shiprock_3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cem\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content_add_block\" id=\"article-add-7\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gazeta-ads-block\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-google-query-id=\"CPia1PLHpZQDFd9XCAQdpC4lRg\" data-lazy-callback=\"lazy_cb_9vk1rt2z0l\" id=\"gpt_unit_\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_2_0\" data-adpath=\"\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_2\" data-onpage=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content_add_block\" id=\"article-add-12\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gazeta-ads-block\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-google-query-id=\"CNHe1vXHpZQDFfz6_QUdWs0UjQ\" data-lazy-callback=\"lazy_cb_4krikuaqz7g\" id=\"gpt_unit_\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_3_0\" data-adpath=\"\/339474670,423516288\/Ancient_D10\/incontent_3\" data-onpage=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}

{"id":9211779612894,"title":"Design of the Classic First \/ Second Phase Men's Navajo Chief Blanket Pattern","handle":"design-of-the-classic-first-or-second-phase-mens-navajo-chief-blanket-pattern","description":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Theory on the Origins of the Design of the Classic First or Second\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhase Men’s Navajo Chief’s Pattern Blanket.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eby Jeffery Voracek, 2023, All Rights Reserved\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003eTo understand the following you should have a rudimentary understanding of the Navajo Creation Story:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003eAfter 35 years of visiting the Navajo reservation, I have come to believe that the \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eMen’s Navajo Chief’s Blanke\u003c\/u\u003et had originally been the symbolism of the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecreation story from the oral and written history of the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné. They say that the creation story is in the Chief’s blanket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003eThis is what I have come to believe based on evidence: \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eThe foundation of the\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eCreation Story is the Warrior Twins\/Hero Twins. \u003c\/u\u003eThe \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecannot occupy the earth without the removal of the things that kill people. There are dread monsters and many bad things that need to be cleaned up first. The Hero\/Warrior Twins will be the salvation of the earth for the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003eif they are successful. \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eThe Men’s Navajo Chief’s pattern blanket has the symbolism of the creation story in it. \u003c\/u\u003eNavajo Chief’s pattern blankets are worn longer than wide. In the 19th and 20th century where there are many pictures of them, they are worn horizontally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003eWhen searching the Smithsonian archive of photos I found one photo with a 19th century ink caption on an early Chief’s pattern blanket photograph showing that this was the way it was to be worn. According to my research, this all makes sense. It is widely recognized today that a Chief’s pattern blanket is still being held horizontally. This is one thing that has come through time successfully and not been lost. When I see unstaged photographs of the Plains Indians with handmade blankets, those blankets are almost always Navajo Chief’s pattern blankets. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eI don’t consider it by chance that the Plains Indians would have wanted a Navajo Chief’s pattern blanket with this symbolism woven into it. \u003c\/u\u003eThey were also trying to rid their world of bad things. The Navajos had no Chiefs. A Chief’s pattern blanket that was Navajo meant that you had to be a Chief to afford one. When reading many versions of the Creation Story, I found that in order for this symbolism to exist within the blanket, it would need to be held \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003ehorizontally like the sky, as if the blanket were\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe horizon that you were looking at \u003c\/u\u003e(like a painting). If the Hero Twins are to be involved, there must be two Horizons as there are two Hero Twins.\u003c\/p\u003e\nIn the earliest ceremonial picture that I’ve seen, there was half of a Chief’s pattern blanket displayed as if it was a memory cloth for the ceremony. It was displayed horizontally and placed front center in a group of \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003eas if they were reading something from it. Of course there is no writing, just symbolism.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn the Creation Story, this is the fifth world. In the \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour former worlds, the horizon was darkness that alternated with three shades of light.\u003c\/u\u003eThis looks and sounds like the description of\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ehalf of a Chief’s Pattern Blanket.\u003cspan style=\"mso-no-proof: yes;\"\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThere are many hints to the symbolism in every version of the CreationStory.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eAn example is the 1934 book, “Spider Woman: A Story of Navajo Weavers and Chanters’’ by Gladys A. Reichard. A portion of this book reads as follows….”After the Hero Twins are born, \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003ethe infants were hidden under six blankets, darkness was below, above it was blue sky, then came blue horizon light ....” \u003c\/u\u003eEarly \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné (Navjo) \u003c\/span\u003eblankets would have been made from cotton or possibly mountain sheep’s wool, which is white. So, this portion of the sentence from the book could describe the Navajo Chief’s pattern blanket held horizontally, as there are two blue stripes above and below (blue sky and blue horizon light). There is also darkness below. This again very much seems like half of a Chief’s pattern blanket. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn most versions of the Creation Story, the horizon is thick. Blankets are often described as clouds. All First or Second Phase blankets would work for the above, but a Second Phase would be best for remembering the sequences to follow in The Hero Twins Creation Story\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(98% of First and Second Phase Classic Men’s Chief's Blankets fit the criteria symbolized in the above statements).The Hero Twins had to become adults to rid the earth of Dread Monsters so that the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecould live on the planet.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn order for the Hero Twins to mature and reign over the Dread Monsters, they needed to go through a series of tests: if they survived these tests, their Father, the Sun would give them the tools that they would need to defeat many bad things, including the Dread Monsters.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThe pregnancy and birth of the Hero Twins have a numerical sequence adding to \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwenty four\u003c\/u\u003e.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(**\u003c\/b\u003eAfter the Hero Twins complete this sequence, they are \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwelve \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eyears old and full grown.); after \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003emornings of Changing Woman laying next to the waterfall, she gets pregnant. In \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003edays, the twins moved within her, and in \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003emore days she was in labor. Enemy Slayer and Born of the Water are born (hero\/warrior twins): in \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003edays the children walked; in \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003emore days they were full grown and talking.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eTalking God and Water Sprinkler (Dine Gods) came to instruct them and promised to come back in \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003edays. This sequence adds to a total of \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwenty four\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. **After this, the Hero Twins have to survive a sequence of events that culminates with their Father, the Sun. The sequence of challenges that they must go through comes to \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwenty four. \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAlso, at the end of these successful challenges, their Father, the Sun provides them with the weapons to kill the Dread Monsters and cleanse the planet of many bad things. The number is \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwelve or twenty four\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIf you used a classic Second Phase as a memory cloth, you could go through and show the sky before the fifth world (in the four former worlds). You could go through the Hero Twins life from pregnancy to birth to full grown. Additionally you could go through the complete sequence that culminates with the Hero Twins avenging the monsters and bad things of the planet, so that the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecould live on the earth. This symbolism that was built into the Chief’s Blanket was the same symbolism that protected The Hero\/Warrior Twins so that they could prepare the planet for the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eIn conclusion, the Diné have written that the Chief’s blanket contains “The Creation Story”. Oral history also supports this.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-11T12:48:49-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-11T12:24:54-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48229390876894,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Design of the Classic First \/ Second Phase Men's Navajo Chief Blanket Pattern","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1stphasewebsiteready_7b342cc6-a746-49b5-8927-0de5ef844fc5.jpg?v=1614328486","\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/half.jpg?v=1778527991","\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2nd.jpg?v=1778527892"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1stphasewebsiteready_7b342cc6-a746-49b5-8927-0de5ef844fc5.jpg?v=1614328486","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"Early Classic 1st Phase Chief Blanket Ute Style : Historic Navajo Weaving","id":20241226662055,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.249,"height":1121,"width":1400,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1stphasewebsiteready_7b342cc6-a746-49b5-8927-0de5ef844fc5.jpg?v=1614328486"},"aspect_ratio":1.249,"height":1121,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1stphasewebsiteready_7b342cc6-a746-49b5-8927-0de5ef844fc5.jpg?v=1614328486","width":1400},{"alt":null,"id":38223788409054,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":2.196,"height":163,"width":358,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/half.jpg?v=1778527991"},"aspect_ratio":2.196,"height":163,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/half.jpg?v=1778527991","width":358},{"alt":null,"id":38223781298398,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.316,"height":266,"width":350,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2nd.jpg?v=1778527892"},"aspect_ratio":1.316,"height":266,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2nd.jpg?v=1778527892","width":350}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Theory on the Origins of the Design of the Classic First or Second\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhase Men’s Navajo Chief’s Pattern Blanket.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eby Jeffery Voracek, 2023, All Rights Reserved\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003eTo understand the following you should have a rudimentary understanding of the Navajo Creation Story:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003eAfter 35 years of visiting the Navajo reservation, I have come to believe that the \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eMen’s Navajo Chief’s Blanke\u003c\/u\u003et had originally been the symbolism of the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecreation story from the oral and written history of the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné. They say that the creation story is in the Chief’s blanket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003eThis is what I have come to believe based on evidence: \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eThe foundation of the\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eCreation Story is the Warrior Twins\/Hero Twins. \u003c\/u\u003eThe \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecannot occupy the earth without the removal of the things that kill people. There are dread monsters and many bad things that need to be cleaned up first. The Hero\/Warrior Twins will be the salvation of the earth for the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003eif they are successful. \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eThe Men’s Navajo Chief’s pattern blanket has the symbolism of the creation story in it. \u003c\/u\u003eNavajo Chief’s pattern blankets are worn longer than wide. In the 19th and 20th century where there are many pictures of them, they are worn horizontally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003eWhen searching the Smithsonian archive of photos I found one photo with a 19th century ink caption on an early Chief’s pattern blanket photograph showing that this was the way it was to be worn. According to my research, this all makes sense. It is widely recognized today that a Chief’s pattern blanket is still being held horizontally. This is one thing that has come through time successfully and not been lost. When I see unstaged photographs of the Plains Indians with handmade blankets, those blankets are almost always Navajo Chief’s pattern blankets. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: -.25pt;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003eI don’t consider it by chance that the Plains Indians would have wanted a Navajo Chief’s pattern blanket with this symbolism woven into it. \u003c\/u\u003eThey were also trying to rid their world of bad things. The Navajos had no Chiefs. A Chief’s pattern blanket that was Navajo meant that you had to be a Chief to afford one. When reading many versions of the Creation Story, I found that in order for this symbolism to exist within the blanket, it would need to be held \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003ehorizontally like the sky, as if the blanket were\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe horizon that you were looking at \u003c\/u\u003e(like a painting). If the Hero Twins are to be involved, there must be two Horizons as there are two Hero Twins.\u003c\/p\u003e\nIn the earliest ceremonial picture that I’ve seen, there was half of a Chief’s pattern blanket displayed as if it was a memory cloth for the ceremony. It was displayed horizontally and placed front center in a group of \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003eas if they were reading something from it. Of course there is no writing, just symbolism.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn the Creation Story, this is the fifth world. In the \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour former worlds, the horizon was darkness that alternated with three shades of light.\u003c\/u\u003eThis looks and sounds like the description of\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ehalf of a Chief’s Pattern Blanket.\u003cspan style=\"mso-no-proof: yes;\"\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThere are many hints to the symbolism in every version of the CreationStory.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eAn example is the 1934 book, “Spider Woman: A Story of Navajo Weavers and Chanters’’ by Gladys A. Reichard. A portion of this book reads as follows….”After the Hero Twins are born, \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003ethe infants were hidden under six blankets, darkness was below, above it was blue sky, then came blue horizon light ....” \u003c\/u\u003eEarly \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné (Navjo) \u003c\/span\u003eblankets would have been made from cotton or possibly mountain sheep’s wool, which is white. So, this portion of the sentence from the book could describe the Navajo Chief’s pattern blanket held horizontally, as there are two blue stripes above and below (blue sky and blue horizon light). There is also darkness below. This again very much seems like half of a Chief’s pattern blanket. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn most versions of the Creation Story, the horizon is thick. Blankets are often described as clouds. All First or Second Phase blankets would work for the above, but a Second Phase would be best for remembering the sequences to follow in The Hero Twins Creation Story\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(98% of First and Second Phase Classic Men’s Chief's Blankets fit the criteria symbolized in the above statements).The Hero Twins had to become adults to rid the earth of Dread Monsters so that the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecould live on the planet.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIn order for the Hero Twins to mature and reign over the Dread Monsters, they needed to go through a series of tests: if they survived these tests, their Father, the Sun would give them the tools that they would need to defeat many bad things, including the Dread Monsters.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eThe pregnancy and birth of the Hero Twins have a numerical sequence adding to \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwenty four\u003c\/u\u003e.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(**\u003c\/b\u003eAfter the Hero Twins complete this sequence, they are \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwelve \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eyears old and full grown.); after \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003emornings of Changing Woman laying next to the waterfall, she gets pregnant. In \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003edays, the twins moved within her, and in \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003emore days she was in labor. Enemy Slayer and Born of the Water are born (hero\/warrior twins): in \u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003edays the children walked; in \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003emore days they were full grown and talking.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eTalking God and Water Sprinkler (Dine Gods) came to instruct them and promised to come back in \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003efour \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003edays. This sequence adds to a total of \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwenty four\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. **After this, the Hero Twins have to survive a sequence of events that culminates with their Father, the Sun. The sequence of challenges that they must go through comes to \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwenty four. \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAlso, at the end of these successful challenges, their Father, the Sun provides them with the weapons to kill the Dread Monsters and cleanse the planet of many bad things. The number is \u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cu style=\"text-underline: black;\"\u003etwelve or twenty four\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003eIf you used a classic Second Phase as a memory cloth, you could go through and show the sky before the fifth world (in the four former worlds). You could go through the Hero Twins life from pregnancy to birth to full grown. Additionally you could go through the complete sequence that culminates with the Hero Twins avenging the monsters and bad things of the planet, so that the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné \u003c\/span\u003ecould live on the earth. This symbolism that was built into the Chief’s Blanket was the same symbolism that protected The Hero\/Warrior Twins so that they could prepare the planet for the \u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eDiné.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #303030;\"\u003eIn conclusion, the Diné have written that the Chief’s blanket contains “The Creation Story”. Oral history also supports this.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e"}

{"id":9211808383198,"title":"Tree of Life - Explained","handle":"tree-of-life-explained","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of Tree of Life Rugs\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Tree of Life Navajo Rug, often referred to as the Cosmic Tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince their early days of the late 1800s, these weavings have often portrayed pictures of a wedding basket with a corn stalk springing forth, birds, and rainbow bars. These pictures are meant to represent progression and movement within life, as well as the connections between the Navajo, the Earth, and the Universe. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Symbolism\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/3203-600x719_grande.jpg?v=1480711183\" width=\"275\" height=\"329\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eKnown for their remarkable beauty and iconic images, the fact remains that even today the Tree of Life rug design remains a meaningful symbol to the Navajo people. It’s so important, in fact, that they’ve even been the inspiration behind SandPaintings  and other artistic endeavors. A wonderful choice for celebrating the natural world and helping people reconnect and harmonize with nature, the Tree of Life is admired for its scenic designs and it’s fresh world perspective.  From the Navajo ceremonial perspective; the Blue birds are considered the messengers to the gods and rainbows represent life and all things good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePictorial Style\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWeavers today still value what the Tree of Life rug represents and enjoy being able to share their creativity and imagination with bold colors, flourishing style and contemporary weaving. If you’re looking for a rug styling that’s not only breathtakingly gorgeous, but signifies an important tie between the Navajo and the world around them, then the Tree of Life rugs may just help you find your own connection with the world. \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-11T12:56:52-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-11T12:55:13-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48229553504478,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Tree of Life - Explained","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_7718.jpg?v=1773427740"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_7718.jpg?v=1773427740","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"Selena With her tree of life.","id":37766822953182,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.75,"height":4032,"width":3024,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_7718.jpg?v=1773427740"},"aspect_ratio":0.75,"height":4032,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_7718.jpg?v=1773427740","width":3024}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of Tree of Life Rugs\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Tree of Life Navajo Rug, often referred to as the Cosmic Tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince their early days of the late 1800s, these weavings have often portrayed pictures of a wedding basket with a corn stalk springing forth, birds, and rainbow bars. These pictures are meant to represent progression and movement within life, as well as the connections between the Navajo, the Earth, and the Universe. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Symbolism\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/3203-600x719_grande.jpg?v=1480711183\" width=\"275\" height=\"329\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eKnown for their remarkable beauty and iconic images, the fact remains that even today the Tree of Life rug design remains a meaningful symbol to the Navajo people. It’s so important, in fact, that they’ve even been the inspiration behind SandPaintings  and other artistic endeavors. A wonderful choice for celebrating the natural world and helping people reconnect and harmonize with nature, the Tree of Life is admired for its scenic designs and it’s fresh world perspective.  From the Navajo ceremonial perspective; the Blue birds are considered the messengers to the gods and rainbows represent life and all things good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePictorial Style\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWeavers today still value what the Tree of Life rug represents and enjoy being able to share their creativity and imagination with bold colors, flourishing style and contemporary weaving. If you’re looking for a rug styling that’s not only breathtakingly gorgeous, but signifies an important tie between the Navajo and the world around them, then the Tree of Life rugs may just help you find your own connection with the world. \u003c\/p\u003e"}

{"id":9211811037406,"title":"Churro Sheep History","handle":"churro-sheep-history","description":"\u003ch2\u003eChurro Sheep History\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Churro breed of sheep was introduced into the Rio Grande Valley by the Spaniards around 16th century and were obtained by the Navajos through raiding and trading.  The lustrous fibers of Churro Wool are long and straight with a very low lanolin content, making them ideal for the limited hand methods of Navajo weaving.  If you were to look at the Churro wool fiber under a microscope, it is actually translucent.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the Navajo weaver, historically one of the best parts of using Churro wool was less work to raise the sheep and prepare the wool.   The Churro Sheep are very hardy and well adapted to the harsh dry conditions under which the Navajo live and the low lanolin content means very clean wool (not a lot of water or time used to clean it).  The historic superiority of weavings produced from the wool of Churro sheep is very apparent in the blankets that have survived through time.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe common Diné (Navajo) word for the breed, \u003cspan title=\"Navajo-language text\"\u003eDibé dits’ozí\u003c\/span\u003e, means \"long fleeced sheep.\" \u003cspan title=\"Navajo-language text\"\u003eT’áá Dibé\u003c\/span\u003e is also occasionally used, meaning \"first sheep. The churro is important to Diné subsistence and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mw-heading mw-heading2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"History\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spanish Churra (renamed Churro by American frontiersmen) was first imported to North America in 1598 by Juan de Oñate, a conquistador who established the colony of \u003cspan id=\"ref270327\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNew Mexico for Spain.  He used Churro Sheep to feed Spanish armies and settlers.  By the 17th century, Churros were popular with the Spanish settlers in the upper Rio Grande Valley.  The Churro soon became an important part of the Diné economy and culture.  The Navajo bred sheep to adapt to a pastoral lifestyle in a harsh desert environment.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-1\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Navajo_Wars\" title=\"Navajo Wars\"\u003eNavajo Wars\u003c\/a\u003e, American soldier \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kit_Carson\" title=\"Kit Carson\"\u003eKit Carson\u003c\/a\u003e instructed his troops to destroy Navajo crops and kill their livestock, including the Churro sheep, in 1863. They killed thousands of sheep. Some small clusters in remote canyons survived the attack. The entire Navajo nation was then forced to march to a reservation. The Navajo nation and the US government signed Treaty of Bosque Redondo in 1868, allowing the Navajo to return to their homeland. As part of the agreement, the US government provided sheep to the  Navajo; however, these breeds were unfamiliar and contaminated the Churro sheep line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1930s, the US government implemented the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Navajo_Livestock_Reduction\" title=\"Navajo Livestock Reduction\"\u003eNavajo Livestock Reduction\u003c\/a\u003e, intended to reduce the amount of sheep and horses on Diné lands. Tens of thousands of Churro sheep were slaughtered, and their numbers dwindled.  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Livestock_Conservancy\" title=\"The Livestock Conservancy\"\u003eThe Livestock Conservancy\u003c\/a\u003e estimated that less than 450 Churros remained by the 1970s. This reduction of the flocks drove many Diné ranchers into poverty. Many Diné who had traditionally lived off of the land and agriculture turned to wage work.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRestoration of the breed began in the 1970s when breeders began acquiring Churro phenotypes with the purpose of preserving the breed and revitalizing Diné and Hispanic flocks.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-npr20100613_11-1\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e The Navajo Sheep Project, headed by Lyle McNeal, was the first organization to start a breeding program.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-3\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Navajo-Churro breed is no longer in danger of extinction, it is still considered a rare breed.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-npr20100613_11-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e There were over 8,000 head of Navajo-Churro sheep in 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"Cultural_role\"\u003eCultural role\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiné weavers have used Churro wool to make rugs, wall hangings, and other products since the late 1600s.  \u003csup id=\"cite_ref-Gass_7-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003eThe sheep naturally produce wool in fourteen colors, so weavers can produce complex colorwork without needing to dye the wool. The yarn produced from the wool is durable, coarse, and non-pilling. \u003csup id=\"cite_ref-st_2-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Many Diné through the early 20th century made their livelihood in farming and ranching. Woven products, such as rugs and blankets, were and continue to be important exports.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-4\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarding wool, spinning yarn, and weaving are traditionally women's work among the Diné. As such, flocks of sheep traditionally belonged to women and were passed from a mother to her children. Children learned to tend the sheep at a young age.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-5\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specific Churro breed, as opposed to sheep in general, is an important part of Diné cultural identity. Elders in particular remembered the Churro flocks from the early 20th century. Some were overjoyed to see the revitalization from the 1970s onward:\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-6\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI said, \"Why are you crying for grandpa?\" He said, \"It's been a long time since I've seen these sheep. I'm so happy that they're here again.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcerpted from an article printed in the June issue of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhoenix 2016 Home and Garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Churro breed of sheep were introduced by the Spaniards in the mid 1500’s upon their discovery and colonization of the “New World”. Having originated in the mountainous regions of southern Spain, they were well adapted to the arid and poor forage conditions of this new environment. Twice on the brink of extinction, this hardy breed of sheep endures. In 1863, the Kit Carson\/U.S. Military campaign to incarcerate the Navajo people and destroy their economy {the sheep} was successful in rounding up about half of the population, taking them to Bosque Redondo and killing a large percentage of their sheep. The escaping Navajo went into hiding with the remnants of their flocks. Upon returning from “The Long Walk”, they were issued new breeds of sheep, which for the most part replaced the Churro wool in their weaving. Some weaver’s preference for their “old wool” persisted, and many managed to rebuild their Churro flocks. Later, in the 1930’s, Congress enacted the Taylor Grazing Act; tens of thousands of sheep were killed. This federally enforced stock reduction program was the result of overgrazing and the severe drought conditions of the dust bowl era. Still a few bands of Churro survived, secreted away in the remote canyons of Navajo land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavajo weavers first used Churro wool during the classic period of Navajo weaving (1700-1863). The superior quality of these weavings is very evident in the blankets that have survived through time. The lustrous fibers of the wool were long and straight, ideal for the limited hand methods of Navajo weaving. Also, the low lanolin content reduced the necessity for extensive cleaning in a land of little water.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn recent years, the efforts of a few dedicated breeders have revived the Churro genetics and fleece quality. However, the circle was not complete, as the wool wasn’t getting into the hands of Navajo weavers. The most successful effort to reintroduce Churro wool to the Navajo loom was accomplished by native Arizonan, Steve Getzwiller. He set out to revive some of the older design elements as well as some rare and natural dyes. The reintroduction of Churro wool brought those lustrous qualities back to the finished weavings, completing the circle and reconnecting some of the weavers with their past. “The Navajo Churro Collection” was bo\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-11T12:59:29-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-11T12:57:23-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48229565661406,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Churro Sheep History","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/3228d7003ffac5bb9044c413eaa3aa16_1_360x_11369c33-158f-4d09-a8ff-508a1ac7cdf0.jpg?v=1778529558"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/3228d7003ffac5bb9044c413eaa3aa16_1_360x_11369c33-158f-4d09-a8ff-508a1ac7cdf0.jpg?v=1778529558","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":38223940518110,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.118,"height":322,"width":360,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/3228d7003ffac5bb9044c413eaa3aa16_1_360x_11369c33-158f-4d09-a8ff-508a1ac7cdf0.jpg?v=1778529558"},"aspect_ratio":1.118,"height":322,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/3228d7003ffac5bb9044c413eaa3aa16_1_360x_11369c33-158f-4d09-a8ff-508a1ac7cdf0.jpg?v=1778529558","width":360}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch2\u003eChurro Sheep History\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Churro breed of sheep was introduced into the Rio Grande Valley by the Spaniards around 16th century and were obtained by the Navajos through raiding and trading.  The lustrous fibers of Churro Wool are long and straight with a very low lanolin content, making them ideal for the limited hand methods of Navajo weaving.  If you were to look at the Churro wool fiber under a microscope, it is actually translucent.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the Navajo weaver, historically one of the best parts of using Churro wool was less work to raise the sheep and prepare the wool.   The Churro Sheep are very hardy and well adapted to the harsh dry conditions under which the Navajo live and the low lanolin content means very clean wool (not a lot of water or time used to clean it).  The historic superiority of weavings produced from the wool of Churro sheep is very apparent in the blankets that have survived through time.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe common Diné (Navajo) word for the breed, \u003cspan title=\"Navajo-language text\"\u003eDibé dits’ozí\u003c\/span\u003e, means \"long fleeced sheep.\" \u003cspan title=\"Navajo-language text\"\u003eT’áá Dibé\u003c\/span\u003e is also occasionally used, meaning \"first sheep. The churro is important to Diné subsistence and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mw-heading mw-heading2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"History\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spanish Churra (renamed Churro by American frontiersmen) was first imported to North America in 1598 by Juan de Oñate, a conquistador who established the colony of \u003cspan id=\"ref270327\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNew Mexico for Spain.  He used Churro Sheep to feed Spanish armies and settlers.  By the 17th century, Churros were popular with the Spanish settlers in the upper Rio Grande Valley.  The Churro soon became an important part of the Diné economy and culture.  The Navajo bred sheep to adapt to a pastoral lifestyle in a harsh desert environment.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-1\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Navajo_Wars\" title=\"Navajo Wars\"\u003eNavajo Wars\u003c\/a\u003e, American soldier \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kit_Carson\" title=\"Kit Carson\"\u003eKit Carson\u003c\/a\u003e instructed his troops to destroy Navajo crops and kill their livestock, including the Churro sheep, in 1863. They killed thousands of sheep. Some small clusters in remote canyons survived the attack. The entire Navajo nation was then forced to march to a reservation. The Navajo nation and the US government signed Treaty of Bosque Redondo in 1868, allowing the Navajo to return to their homeland. As part of the agreement, the US government provided sheep to the  Navajo; however, these breeds were unfamiliar and contaminated the Churro sheep line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1930s, the US government implemented the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Navajo_Livestock_Reduction\" title=\"Navajo Livestock Reduction\"\u003eNavajo Livestock Reduction\u003c\/a\u003e, intended to reduce the amount of sheep and horses on Diné lands. Tens of thousands of Churro sheep were slaughtered, and their numbers dwindled.  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Livestock_Conservancy\" title=\"The Livestock Conservancy\"\u003eThe Livestock Conservancy\u003c\/a\u003e estimated that less than 450 Churros remained by the 1970s. This reduction of the flocks drove many Diné ranchers into poverty. Many Diné who had traditionally lived off of the land and agriculture turned to wage work.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRestoration of the breed began in the 1970s when breeders began acquiring Churro phenotypes with the purpose of preserving the breed and revitalizing Diné and Hispanic flocks.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-npr20100613_11-1\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e The Navajo Sheep Project, headed by Lyle McNeal, was the first organization to start a breeding program.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-3\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Navajo-Churro breed is no longer in danger of extinction, it is still considered a rare breed.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-npr20100613_11-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e There were over 8,000 head of Navajo-Churro sheep in 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"Cultural_role\"\u003eCultural role\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiné weavers have used Churro wool to make rugs, wall hangings, and other products since the late 1600s.  \u003csup id=\"cite_ref-Gass_7-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003eThe sheep naturally produce wool in fourteen colors, so weavers can produce complex colorwork without needing to dye the wool. The yarn produced from the wool is durable, coarse, and non-pilling. \u003csup id=\"cite_ref-st_2-2\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Many Diné through the early 20th century made their livelihood in farming and ranching. Woven products, such as rugs and blankets, were and continue to be important exports.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-4\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarding wool, spinning yarn, and weaving are traditionally women's work among the Diné. As such, flocks of sheep traditionally belonged to women and were passed from a mother to her children. Children learned to tend the sheep at a young age.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-5\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specific Churro breed, as opposed to sheep in general, is an important part of Diné cultural identity. Elders in particular remembered the Churro flocks from the early 20th century. Some were overjoyed to see the revitalization from the 1970s onward:\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-textile_10-6\" class=\"reference\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI said, \"Why are you crying for grandpa?\" He said, \"It's been a long time since I've seen these sheep. I'm so happy that they're here again.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcerpted from an article printed in the June issue of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhoenix 2016 Home and Garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Churro breed of sheep were introduced by the Spaniards in the mid 1500’s upon their discovery and colonization of the “New World”. Having originated in the mountainous regions of southern Spain, they were well adapted to the arid and poor forage conditions of this new environment. Twice on the brink of extinction, this hardy breed of sheep endures. In 1863, the Kit Carson\/U.S. Military campaign to incarcerate the Navajo people and destroy their economy {the sheep} was successful in rounding up about half of the population, taking them to Bosque Redondo and killing a large percentage of their sheep. The escaping Navajo went into hiding with the remnants of their flocks. Upon returning from “The Long Walk”, they were issued new breeds of sheep, which for the most part replaced the Churro wool in their weaving. Some weaver’s preference for their “old wool” persisted, and many managed to rebuild their Churro flocks. Later, in the 1930’s, Congress enacted the Taylor Grazing Act; tens of thousands of sheep were killed. This federally enforced stock reduction program was the result of overgrazing and the severe drought conditions of the dust bowl era. Still a few bands of Churro survived, secreted away in the remote canyons of Navajo land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavajo weavers first used Churro wool during the classic period of Navajo weaving (1700-1863). The superior quality of these weavings is very evident in the blankets that have survived through time. The lustrous fibers of the wool were long and straight, ideal for the limited hand methods of Navajo weaving. Also, the low lanolin content reduced the necessity for extensive cleaning in a land of little water.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn recent years, the efforts of a few dedicated breeders have revived the Churro genetics and fleece quality. However, the circle was not complete, as the wool wasn’t getting into the hands of Navajo weavers. The most successful effort to reintroduce Churro wool to the Navajo loom was accomplished by native Arizonan, Steve Getzwiller. He set out to revive some of the older design elements as well as some rare and natural dyes. The reintroduction of Churro wool brought those lustrous qualities back to the finished weavings, completing the circle and reconnecting some of the weavers with their past. “The Navajo Churro Collection” was bo\u003c\/p\u003e"}

{"id":9211820114142,"title":"Don't Fall for a Knock Off Navajo Rug!","handle":"dont-fall-for-a-knock-off-navajo-rug-1","description":"\u003cp\u003eOh, the thrill of stumbling across a beautiful weaving at a spectacular price.  Here at Nizhoni Ranch some of our clients have interesting stories about coming across an estate sale, consignment shop, garage sale or auction house where they hit the jackpot\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e crapped out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, the old adage \"if something sounds to good to be true, it probably is\".  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eProbably\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is the downfall for some.  The definition of probably is: without much doubt, reasonably true, likely. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eProbably\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is trouble - it gives a ray of hope to those who want to believe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen there is the Antique Roadshow situation.  As AR passed through Tucson in 2001 a man took in a blanket he inherited from his grandmother. The blanket was originally given to his great grandfather by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kit_Carson\" title=\"kit carson\"\u003eKit Carson\u003c\/a\u003e (not beloved by many Native American tribes). The \u003cspan\u003eblanket was used on his bed as a child then later sat on the back of a chair for years.\u003c\/span\u003e  After watching the appraiser almost pass out and then being whisked away by security, he was told the weaving was a Ute First Phase Blanket, circa 1850's.  A national treasure worth (at that time) $350k to $500k.  Today that very weaving is valued somewhere around 1.5 million. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\" title=\"Antique Road Show and 1st Phase Ute Blanket\"\u003eA beautiful story that remains one of AR's finest moments - a must see and a tear jerker!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what is one to do?  Pay close attention to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 - Fringe\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost all Navajo weavings will\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehave fringe.  There are only 2 exceptions. Textiles woven with Germantown yarn.  Fringe is added after the weaving is completed.  Take a look:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/saddle-blanket-single-sunday-navajo-weaving-historic-pc-119\" title=\"PC 119, Single Sunday Saddle Blanket Germantown\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Saddle Blanket - Single Sunday Navajo Weaving : Historic : PC 119 - Getzwiller's Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/products\/pc_119g_large.jpg?v=1527222890\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/saddle-blanket-single-sunday-navajo-weaving-historic-pc-119\" title=\"SADDLE BLANKET - SINGLE SUNDAY NAVAJO WEAVING : HISTORIC : PC\"\u003eGermantown Saddle Blanket, PC 119\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other Navajo weaving that has fringe (only on one end) is a Gallup Throw.  Gallup throws became a popular and inexpensive tourist souvenirs.  They are woven with a cotton warp.  Once finished the warp is cut then knotted. A typical contemporary Gallup Throw sells for somewhere between $50 to $100.  See below:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Gallup_Throw_large.jpg?v=1547496164\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGanado Throw\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e2. Warp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarp strings run vertically and made on a continuous loom that contains the actual warp threads. You can check this by running your hand along the side of the rug to feel whether the warp threads run the length of the rug or whether they’ve been cut. In Mexican-made copies, the warp strings run horizontally and threads are cut and then sometimes hidden, making it more difficult to detect. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/b0ab1e0e7ee57bd03fb9d913ae2b7d95_large.jpg?v=1547501529\" alt=\"Mother and children Navajo weaving rug\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Navajo woman weaving on an upright loom with vertical warp strings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Lazy Lines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLazy lines appear as a diagonal line in the weave of the fabric. During the weaving process, the rug maker would move to work on adjacent sections of the warp, resulting in the subtle diagonal lines referred to as lazy lines. Note: not every Navajo weaving has visible lazy lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Lazy lines in Navajo weaving\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/025-klagetoh-1930s-104hx64w-2f_1024x1024.jpg?v=1547501699\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Lazy lines at diagonal angles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 4. Cost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all Navajo weavings, the values vary based on the age, quality, size, design complexity and condition.  \u003cspan\u003eA 3 x 5 contemporary weaving, with good design, good condition and nice wool starts around $ 2,000.  Below is a contemporary Teec Nos Pos \/ Red Mesa weaving.  Teec Nos Pos is one of the most intricate of designs. This was woven in 2017 by Elsie Begay and measures approximately 5' x 9', $9,000.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/products\/red-mesa-teec-nos-pos-navajo-weaving-contemporary-3324\" title=\"RED MESA \/ TEEC NOS POS NAVAJO WEAVING : ELSIE BEGAY : 3324\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/3324_Red_Mesa_Teec_Main_copy_1024x1024_80619597-8475-4b3d-afdf-4808dcd80934_large.jpg?v=1547503330\" alt=\"Red Mesa Teec Nos Pos Nizhoni Ranch GAllery\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board have published a very informative pamphlet on How to Buy Authentic Navajo (Dine') Weavings.  To view the publication go to:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.doi.gov\/sites\/doi.gov\/files\/uploads\/iacb_navajo_brochure_2017_web.compressed.pdf\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.doi.gov\/sites\/doi.gov\/files\/uploads\/iacb_navajo_brochure_2017_web.compressed.pdf\u0026amp;source=gmail\u0026amp;ust=1549730761810000\u0026amp;usg=AFQjCNFgJwHlvMDHDM2pDXvIGEe7Qb9HVg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.doi.gov\/sites\/doi.\u003cwbr\u003egov\/files\/uploads\/iacb_navajo_\u003cwbr\u003ebrochure_2017_web.compressed.\u003cwbr\u003epdf\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom line, buy through a reputable source and keep all receipts and other documents.  Reputable, meaning they stand behind the weaving and if it's not as portrayed, they will return 100% of what you paid.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are fortunate enough to have a weaving pop up outside of a gallery or reputable dealer and told it is Navajo, buyer beware.  We believe if you love a weaving, the price is right and will still be happy if the weavings turns out to be something other than Navajo - go for it!     \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHappy Hunting!\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-11T13:11:28-07:00","created_at":"2026-05-11T13:05:00-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":48229612191966,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Don't Fall for a Knock Off Navajo Rug!","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Elder-Abuse-Elder-Care-Beware-of-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing-Senior-Support-Home-Support-Services-Langley-Surrey-Abbotsford_540x_05b44e89-254d-480d-be16-0f7ae8535b7c.webp?v=1778529948"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Elder-Abuse-Elder-Care-Beware-of-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing-Senior-Support-Home-Support-Services-Langley-Surrey-Abbotsford_540x_05b44e89-254d-480d-be16-0f7ae8535b7c.webp?v=1778529948","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":38223979708638,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.436,"height":376,"width":540,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Elder-Abuse-Elder-Care-Beware-of-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing-Senior-Support-Home-Support-Services-Langley-Surrey-Abbotsford_540x_05b44e89-254d-480d-be16-0f7ae8535b7c.webp?v=1778529948"},"aspect_ratio":1.436,"height":376,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Elder-Abuse-Elder-Care-Beware-of-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing-Senior-Support-Home-Support-Services-Langley-Surrey-Abbotsford_540x_05b44e89-254d-480d-be16-0f7ae8535b7c.webp?v=1778529948","width":540}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eOh, the thrill of stumbling across a beautiful weaving at a spectacular price.  Here at Nizhoni Ranch some of our clients have interesting stories about coming across an estate sale, consignment shop, garage sale or auction house where they hit the jackpot\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e crapped out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, the old adage \"if something sounds to good to be true, it probably is\".  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eProbably\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is the downfall for some.  The definition of probably is: without much doubt, reasonably true, likely. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eProbably\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is trouble - it gives a ray of hope to those who want to believe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen there is the Antique Roadshow situation.  As AR passed through Tucson in 2001 a man took in a blanket he inherited from his grandmother. The blanket was originally given to his great grandfather by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kit_Carson\" title=\"kit carson\"\u003eKit Carson\u003c\/a\u003e (not beloved by many Native American tribes). The \u003cspan\u003eblanket was used on his bed as a child then later sat on the back of a chair for years.\u003c\/span\u003e  After watching the appraiser almost pass out and then being whisked away by security, he was told the weaving was a Ute First Phase Blanket, circa 1850's.  A national treasure worth (at that time) $350k to $500k.  Today that very weaving is valued somewhere around 1.5 million. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\" title=\"Antique Road Show and 1st Phase Ute Blanket\"\u003eA beautiful story that remains one of AR's finest moments - a must see and a tear jerker!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what is one to do?  Pay close attention to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 - Fringe\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost all Navajo weavings will\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehave fringe.  There are only 2 exceptions. Textiles woven with Germantown yarn.  Fringe is added after the weaving is completed.  Take a look:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/saddle-blanket-single-sunday-navajo-weaving-historic-pc-119\" title=\"PC 119, Single Sunday Saddle Blanket Germantown\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Saddle Blanket - Single Sunday Navajo Weaving : Historic : PC 119 - Getzwiller's Nizhoni Ranch Gallery\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/products\/pc_119g_large.jpg?v=1527222890\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/saddle-blanket-single-sunday-navajo-weaving-historic-pc-119\" title=\"SADDLE BLANKET - SINGLE SUNDAY NAVAJO WEAVING : HISTORIC : PC\"\u003eGermantown Saddle Blanket, PC 119\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other Navajo weaving that has fringe (only on one end) is a Gallup Throw.  Gallup throws became a popular and inexpensive tourist souvenirs.  They are woven with a cotton warp.  Once finished the warp is cut then knotted. A typical contemporary Gallup Throw sells for somewhere between $50 to $100.  See below:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/Gallup_Throw_large.jpg?v=1547496164\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGanado Throw\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e2. Warp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarp strings run vertically and made on a continuous loom that contains the actual warp threads. You can check this by running your hand along the side of the rug to feel whether the warp threads run the length of the rug or whether they’ve been cut. In Mexican-made copies, the warp strings run horizontally and threads are cut and then sometimes hidden, making it more difficult to detect. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/b0ab1e0e7ee57bd03fb9d913ae2b7d95_large.jpg?v=1547501529\" alt=\"Mother and children Navajo weaving rug\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Navajo woman weaving on an upright loom with vertical warp strings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Lazy Lines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLazy lines appear as a diagonal line in the weave of the fabric. During the weaving process, the rug maker would move to work on adjacent sections of the warp, resulting in the subtle diagonal lines referred to as lazy lines. Note: not every Navajo weaving has visible lazy lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Lazy lines in Navajo weaving\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/025-klagetoh-1930s-104hx64w-2f_1024x1024.jpg?v=1547501699\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Lazy lines at diagonal angles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 4. Cost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all Navajo weavings, the values vary based on the age, quality, size, design complexity and condition.  \u003cspan\u003eA 3 x 5 contemporary weaving, with good design, good condition and nice wool starts around $ 2,000.  Below is a contemporary Teec Nos Pos \/ Red Mesa weaving.  Teec Nos Pos is one of the most intricate of designs. This was woven in 2017 by Elsie Begay and measures approximately 5' x 9', $9,000.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/products\/red-mesa-teec-nos-pos-navajo-weaving-contemporary-3324\" title=\"RED MESA \/ TEEC NOS POS NAVAJO WEAVING : ELSIE BEGAY : 3324\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/3324_Red_Mesa_Teec_Main_copy_1024x1024_80619597-8475-4b3d-afdf-4808dcd80934_large.jpg?v=1547503330\" alt=\"Red Mesa Teec Nos Pos Nizhoni Ranch GAllery\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board have published a very informative pamphlet on How to Buy Authentic Navajo (Dine') Weavings.  To view the publication go to:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.doi.gov\/sites\/doi.gov\/files\/uploads\/iacb_navajo_brochure_2017_web.compressed.pdf\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.doi.gov\/sites\/doi.gov\/files\/uploads\/iacb_navajo_brochure_2017_web.compressed.pdf\u0026amp;source=gmail\u0026amp;ust=1549730761810000\u0026amp;usg=AFQjCNFgJwHlvMDHDM2pDXvIGEe7Qb9HVg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.doi.gov\/sites\/doi.\u003cwbr\u003egov\/files\/uploads\/iacb_navajo_\u003cwbr\u003ebrochure_2017_web.compressed.\u003cwbr\u003epdf\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom line, buy through a reputable source and keep all receipts and other documents.  Reputable, meaning they stand behind the weaving and if it's not as portrayed, they will return 100% of what you paid.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are fortunate enough to have a weaving pop up outside of a gallery or reputable dealer and told it is Navajo, buyer beware.  We believe if you love a weaving, the price is right and will still be happy if the weavings turns out to be something other than Navajo - go for it!     \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHappy Hunting!\u003c\/p\u003e"}

{"id":8936752283870,"title":"History of Navajo Weaving","handle":"history-of-navajo-weaving","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo_woman_medium.jpg?v=1483909062\" alt=\"Historic Navajo Rug\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many tales and stories regarding the rich Navajo history in America. None may be more intriguing and exciting than that of Spider Woman. A deity that holds a special place in the Navajo culture, it is believed that she is the one that taught the Navajo to weave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's said that the first loom was made from sky and earth cords, and that the weave itself was made from sunlight, lightning, crystals and white shells.  For more tales about Spider Woman, Read\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/blogs\/news\/spider-rock-center-of-the-navajo-nation?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=d02880ef3\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"The tale of Spider Woman who lives at the top of Spider Rock\"\u003e\"Spider Rock, Home of Spider Woman\"\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, anthropologists believe is was the Pueblo people who taught the Navajo how to create Native American hand-woven blankets and that Navajo artists were influenced in part by the Spanish who had introduced cotton to the Pueblo long before 1650.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially, the Pueblo men would weave the textiles; but the Navajo, being a matriarchal society in which the women owned the sheep and were the ones to weave with the wool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\" title=\"Click for Antique Navajo Rugs\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Historic Navajo Rug\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/3118396971_42f44d48ae_b_grande.jpg?v=1483909263\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat began with weaving women's dresses (two identical blankets sewn together), eventually became single blankets (mantas), then Chief's blankets, and evolved on to different styles and designs of blankets and rugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, the Navajo Indian rug scene became more beautiful, diverse and sought after with each passing year. Yarn's changed, from natural hand-carded, hand-spun, and hand-dyed yarns, to Germantown yarns, to native wool spun in small mills, to some of the prized Navajo Churro wool pieces of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpider Woman's teachings can still be found in modern-day craftsmanship, as the Navajo weaving is done the same way it now as was on the first Navajo loom: using a hand-made upright loom, with one continuous warp, and each stand of woolen yarn is placed into the warp, by hand, one strand at a time. That is why if a Navajo rug is cut of compromised in anyway – it will not unravel. This is a process that cannot be mechanized – making the Navajo weaving one of the most unique in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the very first \"Black Design Blanket\" Spider Woman created; to the gorgeous Two Grey Hills or historic Storm Patterns weavers craft today, each textile has one thing in common; they are carefully and spiritually created by expert hands who understand the value of earth and the gifts it gives us. Navajo weaving is a transformation of what mother nature offers to us to give life, the Navajo have used this gift to live off of the land and prosper for hundreds of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-11T13:14:08-07:00","created_at":"2025-06-03T12:23:42-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["educational","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":46988087394526,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"History of Navajo Weaving","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2nd_3rdphase.jpg?v=1748978993"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2nd_3rdphase.jpg?v=1748978993","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":36378456326366,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.75,"height":2048,"width":1536,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2nd_3rdphase.jpg?v=1748978993"},"aspect_ratio":0.75,"height":2048,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2nd_3rdphase.jpg?v=1748978993","width":1536}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo_woman_medium.jpg?v=1483909062\" alt=\"Historic Navajo Rug\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many tales and stories regarding the rich Navajo history in America. None may be more intriguing and exciting than that of Spider Woman. A deity that holds a special place in the Navajo culture, it is believed that she is the one that taught the Navajo to weave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's said that the first loom was made from sky and earth cords, and that the weave itself was made from sunlight, lightning, crystals and white shells.  For more tales about Spider Woman, Read\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/blogs\/news\/spider-rock-center-of-the-navajo-nation?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=d02880ef3\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"The tale of Spider Woman who lives at the top of Spider Rock\"\u003e\"Spider Rock, Home of Spider Woman\"\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, anthropologists believe is was the Pueblo people who taught the Navajo how to create Native American hand-woven blankets and that Navajo artists were influenced in part by the Spanish who had introduced cotton to the Pueblo long before 1650.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially, the Pueblo men would weave the textiles; but the Navajo, being a matriarchal society in which the women owned the sheep and were the ones to weave with the wool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\" title=\"Click for Antique Navajo Rugs\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Historic Navajo Rug\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/3118396971_42f44d48ae_b_grande.jpg?v=1483909263\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat began with weaving women's dresses (two identical blankets sewn together), eventually became single blankets (mantas), then Chief's blankets, and evolved on to different styles and designs of blankets and rugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, the Navajo Indian rug scene became more beautiful, diverse and sought after with each passing year. Yarn's changed, from natural hand-carded, hand-spun, and hand-dyed yarns, to Germantown yarns, to native wool spun in small mills, to some of the prized Navajo Churro wool pieces of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpider Woman's teachings can still be found in modern-day craftsmanship, as the Navajo weaving is done the same way it now as was on the first Navajo loom: using a hand-made upright loom, with one continuous warp, and each stand of woolen yarn is placed into the warp, by hand, one strand at a time. That is why if a Navajo rug is cut of compromised in anyway – it will not unravel. This is a process that cannot be mechanized – making the Navajo weaving one of the most unique in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the very first \"Black Design Blanket\" Spider Woman created; to the gorgeous Two Grey Hills or historic Storm Patterns weavers craft today, each textile has one thing in common; they are carefully and spiritually created by expert hands who understand the value of earth and the gifts it gives us. Navajo weaving is a transformation of what mother nature offers to us to give life, the Navajo have used this gift to live off of the land and prosper for hundreds of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

{"id":8936048885982,"title":"How to Care for Your Navajo Weaving","handle":"how-to-care-for-your-navajo-wweaving","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Clean a Navajo Rug\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs both a work of art and a functional piece of décor, it’s essential that you maintain your American Indian textile with proper care and attentiveness. That’s why we want to give you a comprehensive list of ways to clean your Navajo Rug to extend its life and quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBasic and Extended Cleaning\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere are just a few things you should remember for proper care of your Navajo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Avoid machine washing, steam cleaning or ironing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Never “whip” or use a beater bar on Navajo textiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Do use a smooth floor attachment to vacuum your rug by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Turn and or rotate the weaving from time to time to help with even wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf your weaving does need an overall cleaning, you can use a foam rug cleaner for wool rugs offered by Woolite.  To remove minor stains, OxiClean has a good stain remover. We have been known to use white wine to blot out red wine (and then sometimes to finish it off with a little OxiClean)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafe, Bug-Free Storage\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you own multiple Navajo textiles and routinely swap them out for décor changes or to maintain their quality, it’s important that they are stored properly. As such, there are several methods you should use to protect your wool from sunlight, moths, or moisture. These include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRolling rugs in the direction of the warp threads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf folding, also fold in the direction of the warp for the first folds to prevent creasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor museum storage you can also use acid-free tissue paper or unbleached muslin while rolling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTextiles can be placed in a cedar chest or any chest or cabinet can work with added cedar chips or herbs (such as lavender) to ward off moths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Navajo weavings come in all shapes, styles, colors, and sizes. They can be rugs on the floor or art on the wall, they can cover a table, or be an artistic accent.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/interior-designer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAvoiding Sunlight\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eDirect sunlight can fade the colors in your Navajo weaving. We recommend using a UV treated window or film on windows to reduce (in some cases eliminate) sun damage. When placing Navajo rugs in or around your home, try to avoid direct raw sunlight, spots of light shining in through windows, or broken illumination. Also, rotate your rug regularly to keep colors and fabrics balanced.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHanging Instructions\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply Velcro to a thin piece of wooden lathe about ¼” thick and 2-3” wide; the length of lathe should be just shy of the length of your weaving. Tack the wooden lathe to the wall with small nails for proper security.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eYou may also keep the sticky back on the Velcro and tack the full strip to the wall, but you may need a few more small nails for this process. Then simply press the weaving to the Velcro. This method works well when hanging a weaving on a curved surface or around a corner. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth methods make it easy to vacuum or rotate the weaving. We recommend 2-3 times per year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHistoric weavings may need an additional strip of Velcro sewn to the Weaving, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eso it can adhere to the Velcro on the wall.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique, Contemporary Native American Rugs, Blankets and Native American art collections\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections?sort_by=price-ascending\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTo see all of our Native American Collections click here\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-11T13:15:37-07:00","created_at":"2025-06-02T10:55:55-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":46985683992798,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"How to Care for Your Navajo Weaving","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/churro-1776-cara-yazzie-red-mesa-teec-nos-pos_2.jpg?v=1748887069"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/churro-1776-cara-yazzie-red-mesa-teec-nos-pos_2.jpg?v=1748887069","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":36373272887518,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.65,"height":1400,"width":910,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/churro-1776-cara-yazzie-red-mesa-teec-nos-pos_2.jpg?v=1748887069"},"aspect_ratio":0.65,"height":1400,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/churro-1776-cara-yazzie-red-mesa-teec-nos-pos_2.jpg?v=1748887069","width":910}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Clean a Navajo Rug\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs both a work of art and a functional piece of décor, it’s essential that you maintain your American Indian textile with proper care and attentiveness. That’s why we want to give you a comprehensive list of ways to clean your Navajo Rug to extend its life and quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBasic and Extended Cleaning\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere are just a few things you should remember for proper care of your Navajo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Avoid machine washing, steam cleaning or ironing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Never “whip” or use a beater bar on Navajo textiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Do use a smooth floor attachment to vacuum your rug by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e√  Turn and or rotate the weaving from time to time to help with even wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf your weaving does need an overall cleaning, you can use a foam rug cleaner for wool rugs offered by Woolite.  To remove minor stains, OxiClean has a good stain remover. We have been known to use white wine to blot out red wine (and then sometimes to finish it off with a little OxiClean)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafe, Bug-Free Storage\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you own multiple Navajo textiles and routinely swap them out for décor changes or to maintain their quality, it’s important that they are stored properly. As such, there are several methods you should use to protect your wool from sunlight, moths, or moisture. These include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRolling rugs in the direction of the warp threads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf folding, also fold in the direction of the warp for the first folds to prevent creasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor museum storage you can also use acid-free tissue paper or unbleached muslin while rolling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTextiles can be placed in a cedar chest or any chest or cabinet can work with added cedar chips or herbs (such as lavender) to ward off moths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Navajo weavings come in all shapes, styles, colors, and sizes. They can be rugs on the floor or art on the wall, they can cover a table, or be an artistic accent.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/interior-designer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAvoiding Sunlight\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eDirect sunlight can fade the colors in your Navajo weaving. We recommend using a UV treated window or film on windows to reduce (in some cases eliminate) sun damage. When placing Navajo rugs in or around your home, try to avoid direct raw sunlight, spots of light shining in through windows, or broken illumination. Also, rotate your rug regularly to keep colors and fabrics balanced.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHanging Instructions\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply Velcro to a thin piece of wooden lathe about ¼” thick and 2-3” wide; the length of lathe should be just shy of the length of your weaving. Tack the wooden lathe to the wall with small nails for proper security.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eYou may also keep the sticky back on the Velcro and tack the full strip to the wall, but you may need a few more small nails for this process. Then simply press the weaving to the Velcro. This method works well when hanging a weaving on a curved surface or around a corner. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth methods make it easy to vacuum or rotate the weaving. We recommend 2-3 times per year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHistoric weavings may need an additional strip of Velcro sewn to the Weaving, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eso it can adhere to the Velcro on the wall.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique, Contemporary Native American Rugs, Blankets and Native American art collections\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections?sort_by=price-ascending\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTo see all of our Native American Collections click here\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e"}

{"id":8936160755934,"title":"The Schoch First Phase Chief’s Blanket - By John O'Hern","handle":"the-schoch-first-phase-chief-s-blanket-by-john-ohern","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"my-4\" id=\"article-title\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"lead color-gray mb-2\"\u003eThe discovery of a Navajo masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"byline font-medium\"\u003eBy John O’Hern\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"byline font-medium\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"article-content\" class=\"mb-5\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe weaving of wearing blankets is part of the Navajo (Diné) creation story, present in Navajo culture from the beginning. Spider Woman, who wove the web of the universe, taught the Navajo people to weave. She is present in their lives today, residing atop Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"332\" width=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/OxIpoFh7u6YmtVL9sl0w8zAKTc106DLzR097RhyU.jpeg\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eAn Early Classic First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Diné (Navajo), circa 1830, also known as the Schoch First Phase. The first phase measures 54 inches long by 73 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Bernisches Historisches Museum (BHM), Bern, Switzerland, by purchase from Marie Karolina Ruef, Lorenz Alphons Schoch’s widow, 1890. BHM Catalog #1890.410.0027. Cataloged by BHM as a “Sioux trade cloth.” Photograph by Joshua Baer. © 2021 Joshua Baer \u0026amp; Company, Santa Fe. Used by permission. All reproduction rights reserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Navajo philosophy of Sa’ah Naaghai Bik’eh Hozhoo guides life in balance and in harmony with the natural world and the universe. Balance occurs in the physical world with a reverence for the four cardinal directions, the four sacred colors and the four sacred mountains that border Navajo Country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalance is the theme of the Beauty Way Chant, part of which reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn beauty I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty before me I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty behind me I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty above me I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty around me I walk\u003cbr\u003eIt has become beauty again\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo the south of Navajo Country, or Dinétah, were the Hopi. To the north were the Utes. Navajo wearing blankets were admired by the Hopi and Utes, who bartered with the Navajo for their blankets. Navajo blankets woven longer than wide were called “serapes” by the Spanish. Navajo blankets woven wider than long were called either “chief’s blankets” or “mantas.” The term “chief’s blanket” came into use because chief’s blankets were expensive. Only the high-ranking members of the Utes and the Plains tribes could afford them. According to Joshua Baer, an appraiser of Navajo blankets in Santa Fe, “Anglo-American explorers and military officers began collecting Navajo chief’s blankets during the 1840s. Between 1840 and 1860, the rate of exchange for one chief’s blanket was either 10 buffalo hides, 20 horses, or $50 in gold. In 1850, $10 was one month’s pay for a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army. The $10 gold piece, or ‘eagle,’ contained one-half of one ounce of gold.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"469\" width=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/fcyptE4MBfqulOj4Q9wqle1E3AkVL5FVEK7Lkmaj.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eKarl Bodmer (1809-1893), Kiäsax, Piegan Blackfoot Man, 1833, watercolor and graphite on paper. Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska. Gift of the Enron Art Foundation, 1986.49.395. Photograph © Bruce M. White, 2019.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavajo chief’s blankets were valued by the Ute, the Sioux and the Cheyenne because of their beauty, but also because they were so tightly woven as to be nearly waterproof and could be worn as a coat in the daytime and used as a blanket at night. Examples of early first phase chief’s blankets are scarce today because they were worn aggressively until they were worn out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly chief’s blankets featured broad stripes of blue, brown and white handspun Churro yarns. The handspun brown and white yarns were un-dyed. The handspun blue yarns were dyed in the yarn with indigo. Baer explains, “After the introduction of rectangular, target designs during the 1840s, and the subsequent introduction of concentric diamonds during the 1850s, Navajo chief’s blankets with no designs came to be known as ‘first phases.’ Chief’s blankets with rectangular designs came to be known as ‘second phases’ and chief’s blankets with concentric diamonds came to be known as ‘third phases.’” First-phase chief’s with broad brown and white stripes are referred to as man’s style, in contrast to the woman’s style chiefs blankets which have narrow stripes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"333\" width=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/cxj0N8x07DK6cojShfXg4YAJZW3KOqw4ikWFd9Al.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eAn Early Classic First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Diné (Navajo), circa 1830, also known as the Schoch First Phase. The first phase measures 54 inches long by 73 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Bernisches Historisches Museum (BHM), Bern, Switzerland, by purchase from Marie Karolina Ruef, Lorenz Alphons Schoch’s widow, 1890. BHM Catalog #1890.410.0027. Cataloged by BHM as a “Sioux trade cloth.” The image has been enhanced to show how the first phase may have looked in original condition.  Photograph by Joshua Baer. © 2021 Joshua Baer \u0026amp; Company, Santa Fe. Used by permission. All reproduction rights reserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst phase chief’s blankets with brown, white and blue stripes are known as Ute style first phase chief’s blankets. Blankets with thin red stripes between the blue and brown stripes are known as bayeta first phase chief’s blankets because of their use of raveled bayeta yarn. The Navajo weavers were adept at dying their handspun yarn blue with indigo but weren’t able to dye their handspun yarn red with cochineal. Produced in Mexico, cochineal is the dried and pulverized larvae of ladybugs. In the 17th century, cochineal was declared the property of the King of Spain and shipped to Spain where it was used to color woolen cloth in vats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn response to Spain’s attempts to monopolize cochineal, the British developed a red dye from lac, a scale insect found in Bengal. Red bayeta cloth was woven and piece-dyed in Seville, Spain, and in Manchester, England, then exported in bolts to North America. Bayeta was then shipped from ports in New Orleans and Charleston to St. Louis where it was transported by mule to merchants in Santa Fe, Taos, and the Chama Valley. When bayeta arrived  in Navajo Country, Navajo weavers raveled the woven cloth to obtain red yarn to weave into their blankets. Between 1830 and 1860, bayeta was Navajo weavers’ primary source of red yarn. Navajo weavers also used a red knitting yarn from Germany, known as Saxony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"311\" width=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/pXObEtkLZMqRr7pQmQryEbluoOvd8BMizM6bPSvC.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Bayeta First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Diné (Navajo), ca. 1850. The bayeta first phase measures 57 inches long by 71 inches wide, as woven. Collected, 1851, by Samuel W. Woodhouse (1821-1904), a surgeon and naturalist who accompanied the Topographical Engineer Corps on the Sitgreaves Expedition to explore the Zuni and Colorado Rivers. Inherited by Woodhouse’s son, Samuel W. Woodhouse Jr. (1873-1943). Purchased by the Museum of the American Indian (MAI) from Woodhouse Jr., 1923. Image courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Washington, D.C. NMAI Catalog #11\/8280.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaer explains the incorporation of red yarn in second and third phase blankets and subsequent variants: “Second phase chief’s blankets have horizontally banded fields with rectangular foreground designs, usually in the form of either concentric squares, concentric rectangles, or pairs of solid rectangular bars. Ute Style second phases have no thin red stripes between their design elements. Bayeta second phases have thin, horizontal red stripes of raveled bayeta between their design elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Third phase chief’s blankets have horizontally banded fields with diamond-shaped foreground designs. Ute Style third phases have no thin red stripes between their diamonds. Bayeta third phases have thin red stripes of raveled bayeta between their diamonds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Navajo chief’s blankets that combine second and third phase designs are called variants. Chief’s blankets with designs appropriated from Navajo dress halves, mantas, poncho serapes or serapes are also called variants.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn installation of the three phases of Navajo chief’s blankets can be seen at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, has what Baer considers to be one of two Ute style first phase chief’s blankets in mint condition. The Nelson-Atkins also has as a chief’s blanket variant with a spur pattern in cochineal-dyed bayeta wool, circa 1840.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"290\" width=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/ZYcHNV0niZjUUPkfIQ4IVYLgqDbbqJNRHzsh9k4r.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Second Phase Chief Blanket, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), circa 1850. The second phase measures 56 inches long by 75 inches wide, as woven. Collected, 1851, by Samuel W. Woodhouse (1821-1904), a surgeon and naturalist who accompanied the Topographical Engineer Corps on the Sitgreaves Expedition to explore the Zuni and Colorado Rivers. Inherited by Woodhouse’s son, Samuel W. Woodhouse Jr. (1873-1943). Purchased by the Museum of the American Indian (MAI), New York, from Woodhouse Jr., 1923. Image courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of NMAI. NMAI Catalog #11\/8281.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nelson-Atkins Museum describes its first phase blanket as “a broad horizontal configuration of contrasting and subtly colored bands…often described as a distillation of the Navajo’s desert plateau and mountain landscape.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA characteristic of Navajo looms is that they were often set up outdoors where the weavers looked through them at the landscape as they worked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe widespread trade in chief’s blankets is documented in a watercolor by Karl Bodmer (1809-1893), a young Swiss artist who accompanied the Prussian naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied (1782-1867) on an expedition through the Missouri Valley from 1832 to 1834. Prince Max, as he was known, believed the Indigenous tribes of central North America were on the verge of extinction. He had set out to document their cultures before they disappeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBodmer was a prodigy who would amaze audiences by creating an accurate sketch or watercolor in less than an hour. Prince Max would often use him to impress the people they met on their expedition. In 1833, on one leg of their journey, Bodmer painted Kiasax, a Piegan Blackfoot chief, wearing a Ute style first phase chief’s blanket with pairs of blue stripes. It is the earliest known painting of a Navajo chief’s blanket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"290\" width=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/CRwuRY3akbZKE45yeDgGeUlxZfrjS1KmNtgdty6J.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Third Phase Chief Blanket, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), circa 1855. The third phase measures 58 inches long by 78 inches wide, as woven. Collected between 1855 and 1860 at Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory (now Wyoming), by Thomas S. Twiss (1802-1871), U.S. Indian Agent for the Upper Platte River). Acquired by Daisy M. Barnett (1874-1937), at an unknown date. Purchased by the Museum of the American Indian (MAI), New York, from Barnett, 1921, with funds donated by MAI Trustee Harmon W. Hendricks (1846-1928). Image courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Washington, D.C. NMAI Catalog No. 10\/8457.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey met Kiasax aboard the steamer Assiniboine owned by John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company. They also took advantage of Astor’s steamer Yellowstone, which they rode from St. Louis 900 miles north to Fort Pierre and Fort Union.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrince Max’s choice of the scrupulously accurate Bodmer resulted in some of the finest paintings of the region and its people. The prince was as meticulous in his written descriptions as was Bodmer in his paintings and drawings. In a journal entry from March, 1833, he describes Massika, a Sauk man he met in St. Louis. “The area surrounding the eyes and ears is red, often also the cheeks; with others the entire head is completely red, except for a white spot on the forehead and a black one around mouth and chin; this gives them a dreadful appearance…Their ears are pierced along the upper edge with three or four holes, and from them hang short strings of blue and white wampum, like tassels.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"332\" width=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/1LU4O8pNBovSLERXIbMzZEJ8lnW5WN1JDC4wVRT8.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eGeorge Catlin (1796-1872), St. Louis from the River Below, 1832-1833, oil on canvas, 193\/8 x 26¾”. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison Jr., 1985.66.311.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrince Max’s collections were dispersed in museums in Bern, Berlin and Stuttgart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Catlin (1796-1872) traveled to the West five times in the 1830s, painting portraits of its Indigenous people and amassing artifacts from their cultures. He wrote in 1841, “St. Louis…is a flourishing town, of 15,000 inhabitants, and destined to be the great emporium of the West…[It] is the great depot of all the Fur Trading Companies to the Upper Missouri and Rocky Mountains, and their starting-place; and also for the Santa Fe, and other Trading Companies, who reach the Mexican borders overland, to trade for silver bullion, from the extensive mines of that rich country…I have also made it my starting-point, and place of deposit, to which I send from different quarters, my packages of paintings and Indian articles, minerals, fossils, etc., as I collect them in various regions, here to be stored till my return; and where on my last return, if I ever make it, I shall hustle them altogether, and remove them to the East.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLorenz Alphons Schoch traveled from Switzerland to St. Louis in 1832 and collected between 1833 and 1837, at the same time Prince Max and Bodmer were on their expedition and Catlin was collecting artifacts. Schoch was the son of a Swiss instrument manufacturer. Among the artifacts he collected is a war shirt that appears in George Catlin’s painting Mix-ke-móte-skin-na, Iron Horn, a Warrior, 1832.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"578\" width=\"470\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/yDDg4Id4Yh5nkyy7O3Dtc0T98KzHsR2BZ6x49eJ9.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eGeorge Catlin (1796-1872), Mix-ke-móte-skin-na, Iron Horn, a Warrior, 1832, oil on canvas, 29 x 24”. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison Jr. 1985.66.153.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJudy Thompson wrote The North American Indian Collection: A Catalog for the Berne Historical Museum in Switzerland. She comments, “Although European trade goods had reached the Plains area by the early 1700s, Plains Indians had little direct contact with white men until the mid-19th century. Collections as early as the Schoch material (1837) are therefore rare. Lorenz Alphons Schoch (1810-1866) was a Swiss from Burgdorf, Canton Berne. He went to the United States in 1832, where he lived in St. Louis for several years and apparently came into contact with various Indian tribes in his role of merchant or trader. Schoch returned to Switzerland in 1842. His collection was purchased from his widow in 1890.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"353\" width=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/hJmvkLVeW47XSsoCEaPL8TML92RJwDBsOvsg0FIs.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), ca. 1850. The first phase measures 51 inches long by 70 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City. Ex- Fred Harvey, Kansas City. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, from the estate of Fred Harvey, 1933. NAMA Catalog #33-1430. Photo: Joshua Ferdinand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother item in the Schoch collection in Berne is a blanket cataloged by the museum as “Sioux Trade Cloth.” Baer believes it is the earliest documented example of a Navajo first phase chief’s blanket. It is illustrated here by his interpretation of the item if it is restored. He bases his hypothesis on five criteria:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts collection date (1832-1837) establishes the Schoch First Phase as the earliest Navajo chief’s blanket with a documented collection history.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe absence of pairs of blue stripes in the Schoch First Phase makes it a unique example of the Navajo first phase style, and raises the possibility that the first phase was woven during the late 18th century, which would make it the earliest known example of a Navajo chief’s blanket woven in the man’s style.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTicking along all of the edges of its brown and white bands is unique to the Schoch first phase. Of the approximately 150 other known classic Navajo chief’s blankets, none have ticking along all edges of their horizontal bands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Schoch First Phase’s configuration of three brown stripes and four white stripes above and below its central panel links the first phase to three of the best-known classic Navajo chief’s blankets in either museum or private collections. [The Twiss Third Phase Chief’s Blanket, Ute Style, Navajo, circa 1850, in the collection of National Museum of the American Indian, is illustrated here, on Page 43.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe location of the Schoch First Phase in the Bernisches Historisches Museum (BHM) in Bern, Switzerland, and BHM’s catalog listing of the first phase as a “Sioux Trade Cloth,” establish the Schoch First Phase as an undiscovered example of early classic Navajo weaving.\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"277\" width=\"414\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/afKvWQ8EWKCSPPvxuRNrPjFqYHOyVonaYiDBiIQR.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Chief’s Blanket Variant, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), ca. 1840. The variant measures 53 inches long by 72 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust. NAMA Catalog #33-1432. Photo: Joshua Ferdinand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore Baer’s interpretation of what he refers to as the “Schoch First Phase,” the Navajo chief’s blankets with the earliest documented collection history were the classic bayeta first phase chief’s blanket, Navajo, circa 1850, also known as the Woodhouse Bayeta First Phase; and a classic second phase chief’s blanket, Navajo, circa 1850, also known as the Woodhouse Second Phase. Both were collected at Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico Territory in September, 1851, by Samuel Washington Woodhouse (1821-1904), who was a surgeon and ornithologist with the Sitgreaves Expeditions of 1849 and 1851. Both the Woodhouse First and Second Phase Chief’s Blankets exhibit no wear. They were probably purchased from their weavers. The blankets were acquired in 1923 by what is now the National Museum of the American Indian from Woodhouse’s son in 1923.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaer remarks, “The Schoch First Phase is an extraordinary work of American art. The first phase is also an important part of American and Native American history. My hope is that the BHM will allow the Schoch First Phase to travel to the United States. This will make it possible for the first phase to be seen by contemporary Navajo weavers, and by the American public.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2026-05-11T13:17:17-07:00","created_at":"2025-06-02T13:40:31-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":46985908846814,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Schoch First Phase Chief’s Blanket - By John O'Hern","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":null,"inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OxIpoFh7u6YmtVL9sl0w8zAKTc106DLzR097RhyU_1.jpg?v=1748896849"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OxIpoFh7u6YmtVL9sl0w8zAKTc106DLzR097RhyU_1.jpg?v=1748896849","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":36373842002142,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.447,"height":1106,"width":1600,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OxIpoFh7u6YmtVL9sl0w8zAKTc106DLzR097RhyU_1.jpg?v=1748896849"},"aspect_ratio":1.447,"height":1106,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OxIpoFh7u6YmtVL9sl0w8zAKTc106DLzR097RhyU_1.jpg?v=1748896849","width":1600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cdiv class=\"my-4\" id=\"article-title\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"lead color-gray mb-2\"\u003eThe discovery of a Navajo masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"byline font-medium\"\u003eBy John O’Hern\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"byline font-medium\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"article-content\" class=\"mb-5\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe weaving of wearing blankets is part of the Navajo (Diné) creation story, present in Navajo culture from the beginning. Spider Woman, who wove the web of the universe, taught the Navajo people to weave. She is present in their lives today, residing atop Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"332\" width=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/OxIpoFh7u6YmtVL9sl0w8zAKTc106DLzR097RhyU.jpeg\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eAn Early Classic First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Diné (Navajo), circa 1830, also known as the Schoch First Phase. The first phase measures 54 inches long by 73 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Bernisches Historisches Museum (BHM), Bern, Switzerland, by purchase from Marie Karolina Ruef, Lorenz Alphons Schoch’s widow, 1890. BHM Catalog #1890.410.0027. Cataloged by BHM as a “Sioux trade cloth.” Photograph by Joshua Baer. © 2021 Joshua Baer \u0026amp; Company, Santa Fe. Used by permission. All reproduction rights reserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Navajo philosophy of Sa’ah Naaghai Bik’eh Hozhoo guides life in balance and in harmony with the natural world and the universe. Balance occurs in the physical world with a reverence for the four cardinal directions, the four sacred colors and the four sacred mountains that border Navajo Country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalance is the theme of the Beauty Way Chant, part of which reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn beauty I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty before me I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty behind me I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty above me I walk\u003cbr\u003eWith beauty around me I walk\u003cbr\u003eIt has become beauty again\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo the south of Navajo Country, or Dinétah, were the Hopi. To the north were the Utes. Navajo wearing blankets were admired by the Hopi and Utes, who bartered with the Navajo for their blankets. Navajo blankets woven longer than wide were called “serapes” by the Spanish. Navajo blankets woven wider than long were called either “chief’s blankets” or “mantas.” The term “chief’s blanket” came into use because chief’s blankets were expensive. Only the high-ranking members of the Utes and the Plains tribes could afford them. According to Joshua Baer, an appraiser of Navajo blankets in Santa Fe, “Anglo-American explorers and military officers began collecting Navajo chief’s blankets during the 1840s. Between 1840 and 1860, the rate of exchange for one chief’s blanket was either 10 buffalo hides, 20 horses, or $50 in gold. In 1850, $10 was one month’s pay for a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army. The $10 gold piece, or ‘eagle,’ contained one-half of one ounce of gold.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"469\" width=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/fcyptE4MBfqulOj4Q9wqle1E3AkVL5FVEK7Lkmaj.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eKarl Bodmer (1809-1893), Kiäsax, Piegan Blackfoot Man, 1833, watercolor and graphite on paper. Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska. Gift of the Enron Art Foundation, 1986.49.395. Photograph © Bruce M. White, 2019.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavajo chief’s blankets were valued by the Ute, the Sioux and the Cheyenne because of their beauty, but also because they were so tightly woven as to be nearly waterproof and could be worn as a coat in the daytime and used as a blanket at night. Examples of early first phase chief’s blankets are scarce today because they were worn aggressively until they were worn out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly chief’s blankets featured broad stripes of blue, brown and white handspun Churro yarns. The handspun brown and white yarns were un-dyed. The handspun blue yarns were dyed in the yarn with indigo. Baer explains, “After the introduction of rectangular, target designs during the 1840s, and the subsequent introduction of concentric diamonds during the 1850s, Navajo chief’s blankets with no designs came to be known as ‘first phases.’ Chief’s blankets with rectangular designs came to be known as ‘second phases’ and chief’s blankets with concentric diamonds came to be known as ‘third phases.’” First-phase chief’s with broad brown and white stripes are referred to as man’s style, in contrast to the woman’s style chiefs blankets which have narrow stripes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"333\" width=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/cxj0N8x07DK6cojShfXg4YAJZW3KOqw4ikWFd9Al.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eAn Early Classic First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Diné (Navajo), circa 1830, also known as the Schoch First Phase. The first phase measures 54 inches long by 73 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Bernisches Historisches Museum (BHM), Bern, Switzerland, by purchase from Marie Karolina Ruef, Lorenz Alphons Schoch’s widow, 1890. BHM Catalog #1890.410.0027. Cataloged by BHM as a “Sioux trade cloth.” The image has been enhanced to show how the first phase may have looked in original condition.  Photograph by Joshua Baer. © 2021 Joshua Baer \u0026amp; Company, Santa Fe. Used by permission. All reproduction rights reserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst phase chief’s blankets with brown, white and blue stripes are known as Ute style first phase chief’s blankets. Blankets with thin red stripes between the blue and brown stripes are known as bayeta first phase chief’s blankets because of their use of raveled bayeta yarn. The Navajo weavers were adept at dying their handspun yarn blue with indigo but weren’t able to dye their handspun yarn red with cochineal. Produced in Mexico, cochineal is the dried and pulverized larvae of ladybugs. In the 17th century, cochineal was declared the property of the King of Spain and shipped to Spain where it was used to color woolen cloth in vats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn response to Spain’s attempts to monopolize cochineal, the British developed a red dye from lac, a scale insect found in Bengal. Red bayeta cloth was woven and piece-dyed in Seville, Spain, and in Manchester, England, then exported in bolts to North America. Bayeta was then shipped from ports in New Orleans and Charleston to St. Louis where it was transported by mule to merchants in Santa Fe, Taos, and the Chama Valley. When bayeta arrived  in Navajo Country, Navajo weavers raveled the woven cloth to obtain red yarn to weave into their blankets. Between 1830 and 1860, bayeta was Navajo weavers’ primary source of red yarn. Navajo weavers also used a red knitting yarn from Germany, known as Saxony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"311\" width=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/pXObEtkLZMqRr7pQmQryEbluoOvd8BMizM6bPSvC.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Bayeta First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Diné (Navajo), ca. 1850. The bayeta first phase measures 57 inches long by 71 inches wide, as woven. Collected, 1851, by Samuel W. Woodhouse (1821-1904), a surgeon and naturalist who accompanied the Topographical Engineer Corps on the Sitgreaves Expedition to explore the Zuni and Colorado Rivers. Inherited by Woodhouse’s son, Samuel W. Woodhouse Jr. (1873-1943). Purchased by the Museum of the American Indian (MAI) from Woodhouse Jr., 1923. Image courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Washington, D.C. NMAI Catalog #11\/8280.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaer explains the incorporation of red yarn in second and third phase blankets and subsequent variants: “Second phase chief’s blankets have horizontally banded fields with rectangular foreground designs, usually in the form of either concentric squares, concentric rectangles, or pairs of solid rectangular bars. Ute Style second phases have no thin red stripes between their design elements. Bayeta second phases have thin, horizontal red stripes of raveled bayeta between their design elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Third phase chief’s blankets have horizontally banded fields with diamond-shaped foreground designs. Ute Style third phases have no thin red stripes between their diamonds. Bayeta third phases have thin red stripes of raveled bayeta between their diamonds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Navajo chief’s blankets that combine second and third phase designs are called variants. Chief’s blankets with designs appropriated from Navajo dress halves, mantas, poncho serapes or serapes are also called variants.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn installation of the three phases of Navajo chief’s blankets can be seen at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, has what Baer considers to be one of two Ute style first phase chief’s blankets in mint condition. The Nelson-Atkins also has as a chief’s blanket variant with a spur pattern in cochineal-dyed bayeta wool, circa 1840.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"290\" width=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/ZYcHNV0niZjUUPkfIQ4IVYLgqDbbqJNRHzsh9k4r.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Second Phase Chief Blanket, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), circa 1850. The second phase measures 56 inches long by 75 inches wide, as woven. Collected, 1851, by Samuel W. Woodhouse (1821-1904), a surgeon and naturalist who accompanied the Topographical Engineer Corps on the Sitgreaves Expedition to explore the Zuni and Colorado Rivers. Inherited by Woodhouse’s son, Samuel W. Woodhouse Jr. (1873-1943). Purchased by the Museum of the American Indian (MAI), New York, from Woodhouse Jr., 1923. Image courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of NMAI. NMAI Catalog #11\/8281.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nelson-Atkins Museum describes its first phase blanket as “a broad horizontal configuration of contrasting and subtly colored bands…often described as a distillation of the Navajo’s desert plateau and mountain landscape.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA characteristic of Navajo looms is that they were often set up outdoors where the weavers looked through them at the landscape as they worked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe widespread trade in chief’s blankets is documented in a watercolor by Karl Bodmer (1809-1893), a young Swiss artist who accompanied the Prussian naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied (1782-1867) on an expedition through the Missouri Valley from 1832 to 1834. Prince Max, as he was known, believed the Indigenous tribes of central North America were on the verge of extinction. He had set out to document their cultures before they disappeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBodmer was a prodigy who would amaze audiences by creating an accurate sketch or watercolor in less than an hour. Prince Max would often use him to impress the people they met on their expedition. In 1833, on one leg of their journey, Bodmer painted Kiasax, a Piegan Blackfoot chief, wearing a Ute style first phase chief’s blanket with pairs of blue stripes. It is the earliest known painting of a Navajo chief’s blanket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"290\" width=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/CRwuRY3akbZKE45yeDgGeUlxZfrjS1KmNtgdty6J.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Third Phase Chief Blanket, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), circa 1855. The third phase measures 58 inches long by 78 inches wide, as woven. Collected between 1855 and 1860 at Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory (now Wyoming), by Thomas S. Twiss (1802-1871), U.S. Indian Agent for the Upper Platte River). Acquired by Daisy M. Barnett (1874-1937), at an unknown date. Purchased by the Museum of the American Indian (MAI), New York, from Barnett, 1921, with funds donated by MAI Trustee Harmon W. Hendricks (1846-1928). Image courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Washington, D.C. NMAI Catalog No. 10\/8457.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey met Kiasax aboard the steamer Assiniboine owned by John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company. They also took advantage of Astor’s steamer Yellowstone, which they rode from St. Louis 900 miles north to Fort Pierre and Fort Union.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrince Max’s choice of the scrupulously accurate Bodmer resulted in some of the finest paintings of the region and its people. The prince was as meticulous in his written descriptions as was Bodmer in his paintings and drawings. In a journal entry from March, 1833, he describes Massika, a Sauk man he met in St. Louis. “The area surrounding the eyes and ears is red, often also the cheeks; with others the entire head is completely red, except for a white spot on the forehead and a black one around mouth and chin; this gives them a dreadful appearance…Their ears are pierced along the upper edge with three or four holes, and from them hang short strings of blue and white wampum, like tassels.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"332\" width=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/1LU4O8pNBovSLERXIbMzZEJ8lnW5WN1JDC4wVRT8.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eGeorge Catlin (1796-1872), St. Louis from the River Below, 1832-1833, oil on canvas, 193\/8 x 26¾”. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison Jr., 1985.66.311.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrince Max’s collections were dispersed in museums in Bern, Berlin and Stuttgart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Catlin (1796-1872) traveled to the West five times in the 1830s, painting portraits of its Indigenous people and amassing artifacts from their cultures. He wrote in 1841, “St. Louis…is a flourishing town, of 15,000 inhabitants, and destined to be the great emporium of the West…[It] is the great depot of all the Fur Trading Companies to the Upper Missouri and Rocky Mountains, and their starting-place; and also for the Santa Fe, and other Trading Companies, who reach the Mexican borders overland, to trade for silver bullion, from the extensive mines of that rich country…I have also made it my starting-point, and place of deposit, to which I send from different quarters, my packages of paintings and Indian articles, minerals, fossils, etc., as I collect them in various regions, here to be stored till my return; and where on my last return, if I ever make it, I shall hustle them altogether, and remove them to the East.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLorenz Alphons Schoch traveled from Switzerland to St. Louis in 1832 and collected between 1833 and 1837, at the same time Prince Max and Bodmer were on their expedition and Catlin was collecting artifacts. Schoch was the son of a Swiss instrument manufacturer. Among the artifacts he collected is a war shirt that appears in George Catlin’s painting Mix-ke-móte-skin-na, Iron Horn, a Warrior, 1832.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"578\" width=\"470\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/yDDg4Id4Yh5nkyy7O3Dtc0T98KzHsR2BZ6x49eJ9.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eGeorge Catlin (1796-1872), Mix-ke-móte-skin-na, Iron Horn, a Warrior, 1832, oil on canvas, 29 x 24”. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison Jr. 1985.66.153.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJudy Thompson wrote The North American Indian Collection: A Catalog for the Berne Historical Museum in Switzerland. She comments, “Although European trade goods had reached the Plains area by the early 1700s, Plains Indians had little direct contact with white men until the mid-19th century. Collections as early as the Schoch material (1837) are therefore rare. Lorenz Alphons Schoch (1810-1866) was a Swiss from Burgdorf, Canton Berne. He went to the United States in 1832, where he lived in St. Louis for several years and apparently came into contact with various Indian tribes in his role of merchant or trader. Schoch returned to Switzerland in 1842. His collection was purchased from his widow in 1890.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"353\" width=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/hJmvkLVeW47XSsoCEaPL8TML92RJwDBsOvsg0FIs.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic First Phase Chief’s Blanket, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), ca. 1850. The first phase measures 51 inches long by 70 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City. Ex- Fred Harvey, Kansas City. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, from the estate of Fred Harvey, 1933. NAMA Catalog #33-1430. Photo: Joshua Ferdinand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother item in the Schoch collection in Berne is a blanket cataloged by the museum as “Sioux Trade Cloth.” Baer believes it is the earliest documented example of a Navajo first phase chief’s blanket. It is illustrated here by his interpretation of the item if it is restored. He bases his hypothesis on five criteria:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts collection date (1832-1837) establishes the Schoch First Phase as the earliest Navajo chief’s blanket with a documented collection history.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe absence of pairs of blue stripes in the Schoch First Phase makes it a unique example of the Navajo first phase style, and raises the possibility that the first phase was woven during the late 18th century, which would make it the earliest known example of a Navajo chief’s blanket woven in the man’s style.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTicking along all of the edges of its brown and white bands is unique to the Schoch first phase. Of the approximately 150 other known classic Navajo chief’s blankets, none have ticking along all edges of their horizontal bands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Schoch First Phase’s configuration of three brown stripes and four white stripes above and below its central panel links the first phase to three of the best-known classic Navajo chief’s blankets in either museum or private collections. [The Twiss Third Phase Chief’s Blanket, Ute Style, Navajo, circa 1850, in the collection of National Museum of the American Indian, is illustrated here, on Page 43.]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe location of the Schoch First Phase in the Bernisches Historisches Museum (BHM) in Bern, Switzerland, and BHM’s catalog listing of the first phase as a “Sioux Trade Cloth,” establish the Schoch First Phase as an undiscovered example of early classic Navajo weaving.\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"277\" width=\"414\" src=\"https:\/\/nativeamericanartmagazine.s3.amazonaws.com\/afKvWQ8EWKCSPPvxuRNrPjFqYHOyVonaYiDBiIQR.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fr-inner\"\u003eA Classic Chief’s Blanket Variant, Ute Style, Diné (Navajo), ca. 1840. The variant measures 53 inches long by 72 inches wide, as woven. In the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust. NAMA Catalog #33-1432. Photo: Joshua Ferdinand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore Baer’s interpretation of what he refers to as the “Schoch First Phase,” the Navajo chief’s blankets with the earliest documented collection history were the classic bayeta first phase chief’s blanket, Navajo, circa 1850, also known as the Woodhouse Bayeta First Phase; and a classic second phase chief’s blanket, Navajo, circa 1850, also known as the Woodhouse Second Phase. Both were collected at Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico Territory in September, 1851, by Samuel Washington Woodhouse (1821-1904), who was a surgeon and ornithologist with the Sitgreaves Expeditions of 1849 and 1851. Both the Woodhouse First and Second Phase Chief’s Blankets exhibit no wear. They were probably purchased from their weavers. The blankets were acquired in 1923 by what is now the National Museum of the American Indian from Woodhouse’s son in 1923.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaer remarks, “The Schoch First Phase is an extraordinary work of American art. The first phase is also an important part of American and Native American history. My hope is that the BHM will allow the Schoch First Phase to travel to the United States. This will make it possible for the first phase to be seen by contemporary Navajo weavers, and by the American public.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}