Beautiful Navajo Art
Quick site links.... Art of Navajo Jewelry The Navajo Jewelry is believed to have been first learned from Spanish metal working techniques. Today the Navajo artists use traditional as well as modern tools, to create some distinctive and highly desired jewelry. In the late 1800s, silver jewelry became an important status symbol in the southwest. During this time artists mastered this new found craft and created their own unique style. Various original designs have been displayed by talented Navajo artists over the years. In early years Concho style belts, flasks, necklaces and bracelets were some of the tribe’s main focus. Designs were done by filing and hammering notches in particular patterns into the metal. Slowly these Navajo designs began incorporating different types of stones and shells into the silver. The Navajo enjoyed working with their precious turquoise stones and the market has appreciated this. Much of the recent Navajo jewelry feature amazing displays of this mystical stone. Weaving Navajo Rugs One of the oldest and well known Navajo Art is weaving. Navajo rugs and blankets are not only functional but they are also an important element n the culture and economy of the Navajo Nation. These weavings are usually produces from wool and colored bye using dyes from natural plants in the southwest area. After the wool is spun and dyed it is woven together much like a basket only on a much larger scale. The carefully planned color distribution throughout the weaving process allows the artist to shape beautiful designs. This process of gathering materials and hand weaving each strand is very time consuming and make these items very valuable. Traditionally Navajo rugs were used as bedding, saddle blankets, and ceremonial dress. These traditional usages can still be seen today but many of the rugs sell to the outside market as art. Over the years a variety of unique designs have emerged from different areas of the Navajo Nation. Some of the most famous are the storm pattern and the Yei Bei Chei design of the four corners and western areas. Natural Navajo Pottery Navajo art is known for being hand made from natural materials, this includes Navajo Pottery. The Navajo use natural clay from special locations and the colors used to stain and paint the pottery come from local plants. Even the brushes are made by using the New Mexico state plate, the Yucca. Even the mud ovens in which the pottery is cooked is made of materials from the surrounding area. Navajo pottery should be well proportioned and balanced. Traditionally the Navajo did not use a pottery wheel, the shapes were molded and balanced by touch. It requires a great amount of skill to accomplish this amazing feat making the finished products all the more valuable.
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Navajo Art is adored for its traditional native style. The Navajo Indians are the largest Native American Tribe in the United States, they have a strong, rich culture that fascinates and mystifies travelers from around the globe. Talented artists produce some of the most sought after southwestern style jewelry, rugs, blankets, and pottery. The extraordinary designs and patterns used in the art usually have deeper meaning stemming from the peoples past and spiritual beliefs. High quality authentic pieces are handcrafted and made from natural materials. 