Navajo Weaving History
Navajo weaving history is a fantastic element of Navajo history as a whole. Quite simply, it is impossible to engage any history of these people that doesn’t take into account their relationship with weaving. It is something that has long historical ties to the tribe. In the present, Navajo weaving is responsible for the breathtaking rugs and other items that are profoundly popular with people from all walks of life.To simply look at one of these rugs is to get a sense of Navajo weaving history. However, if you are interested in the actual history of Navajo weaving, there are a few things you will want to learn more about.
Navajo Weaving Historical Information
If you want to learn about the history of Navajo weaving, you will have to go back to the 1690s. It was during this period that the Pueblos went into hiding, after the Spanish came to American shores to squash their rebellion. While the Pueblos hid amongst the Navajos, there was a certain element of cultural exchange that occurred. One such example of this exchange was in the form of the Pueblos teaching the Navajo how to weave. Some of the earliest known examples of Navajo weaving clearly display the various influences of the Pueblos.
By the end of the 1700s, the Navajo people began to move away from the Pueblo influence. This is considered to be one of the most significant components to Navajo weaving history. As the 1800s came and went, the kind of Navajo weaving projects that are seen today began to make their appearances. One of the most profound distinctions between Navajo weaving and Pueblo weaving was the fact that the Navajo people were more willing to take advantage of what color was capable of. It was also during the 1800s that trading these blankets and rugs became a vital component to the economy of the Navajo. Unfortunately, it was also during the 1800s that the Navajo began to experience the beginning of a long line of profound tragedies.
Moving from the classic period to the late classic period of Navajo weaving history, the designs and ideas associated with weaving became increasingly elaborate. You can find numerous examples of Navajo weaving from the 18th and 19th centuries that brilliantly showcase the evolution of the concept. By the end of the 1800s, the Navajo people were trading with a wide range of markets. This trend continued on into the 20th century examples.
