Traditionally, Navajo weavers gained their dyes from plants in their immediate environment. Many of these were the same plants as those used in healing ceremonies. They gained their wool from their own or other family members’ sheep, animals that were seen as gifts from the holy people, provided to them for their spiritual and physical sustenance.
 
With the advent of a Euro-American market for Navajo textiles, weavers turned to artificial dyes and commercial wools. While this increased output made weavings more affordable, thus engendering a wider market for them, the intimate connection of the weaver to their environment was compromised in important ways. The quality of their product—many believe—diminished, as well.
 
A number of efforts have been mounted over the past 75 to 80 years to revive the use of natural dyes in Navajo weaving. Sometimes motivated by a desire to improve the quality—and thus marketability—of Navajo weaving and other times by a wish to restore a right relationship of the weaver to their physical and cultural environment, these efforts have enjoyed varied degrees of success. The Many Colored Weaves exhibition examines the history of these efforts, providing examples of weavings produced.
 
FCP and MNA will also host Flagstaff’s first Navajo Rug Auction on Saturday, June 14. The Auction will be held at the Coconino Center for the Arts and feature 300 unique Navajo weavings on sale throughout the fast-paced event. The R.B. Burnham & Co. Trading Post will serve as auctioneers. A preview of all weavings in the auction begins at 10 a.m., and continues until 4 p.m. The auction itself begins at 5 p.m. All proceeds from this event will provide support for Flagstaff Cultural Partners and the Museum of Northern Arizona.
 
For further information, contact Heather Williams, Flagstaff Cultural Partners, PO Box 296, Flagstaff, AZ 86002.  Call (928) 779-2300 x108 or email hwilliams@culturalpartners.org.

Established in 1999, Flagstaff Cultural Partners (FCP) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), organization that manages the Coconino Center for the Arts. FCP provides opportunities for management development to local art and cultural organizations and develops programs and activities that support artistic, cultural and scientific endeavors for the community and its visitors. Please visit www.culturalpartners.org for more information.
 
Article courtesy of Michele Bourgeois Mountain, Museum of Northern Arizona.

Posted April 23, 2008.