Navajo Weavings with Ceremonial Themes

The first comprehensive, research-based history of Navajo weavings with ceremonial themes (Yei, Yeibichai, and sandpainting textiles),from 1900 to today, through over 500 photos, many of weavings never before published.

Featuring more than 500 photos and maps, this is the firstcomprehensive, research-based history of Navajo weavings with imagery inspired by tribal sacredpractices. These Yei, Yeibichai, and sandpainting textiles have been the most sought after by collectors and the least studied by scholars.In spite of their iconography, they never served a ceremonial function. They were created by Navajo women at the instigation of Anglo traders, for sale towealthy collectors willing to pay premium prices for their perceivedspiritual symbolism.

This book describes the historical and artistic development of the genre from its controversial emergence around 1900, to the 1920-1940 period of intense creativity, and concluding with the contemporary search for innovative patterns. Never-before-published weavings, detailed annotations, and an extensive bibliography make this an invaluable reference for scholars and collectors, and a fascinating exploration for all who are interested in the Southwest and its native cultures.[AuthorName]By Rebecca M. Valette and Jean-Paul Valette[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]Over the past forty years, Rebecca Valette and Jean-Paul Valette have done extensive research on Navajo weavings with ceremonial imagery, have curated exhibits, and have published studies on their historical development.[/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]536 color & b/w maps and images[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]A Historical Overview of a Secular Art Form[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]536 color & b/w maps and images[/ColorPattern]