This exhibition features a selection of transitional Navajo weavings from the renowned Durango Collection®.
Navajo weaving is admired for its beauty, innovative designs and the endurance of the art form. However, although historic weavings sell on today’s art market for thousands of dollars and acclaimed weavers name their price for award winning pieces, many weavers have struggled to make a living from this time consuming art form. Hours are spent in the weaving process, and also in procuring and preparing the woolen yarns. Unfortunately, the dollar return in exchange for the time or money required to prepare or procure materials and complete an intricate weaving has often been extremely low, even for the finest weavings. Navajo weaving is often misinterpreted as a part-time endeavor for weavers, between tending to chores and children. In fact, often times, and especially during the 1880s to 1920s, weaving was a major contributor to the Navajo economy, and at times surpassed all other industries. Even today, weavers may support entire families through weaving.