Navajo weaving

	Navajo weaving is one of the great American art traditions. Classic woven Navajo blankets sell for six figures at international auctions. How did the Navajo learn to weave? What does their mythology say & what do historians say about this? Sheep are essential in this enterprise -- how did the Navajo get their great flocks of sheep? What is distinctive about the Navajo weaving technique -- the loom, the weft-faced style, fringe? What is the source of colors for weavers' wool? Why is it that only Navajo women weave?
Navajo textiles are categorized by their historical period, by function, and by regional styles, and by patterns. What is a third phase Chief's blanket? What is a Two Gray Hills rug? What's a Germantown? An Eyedazzler? The materials used in Dineh weaving have evolved over time. How did Kit Carson change Navajo weaving tradition? What is bayetta cloth & how did the Dineh use it? What are "pictorial rugs." How did traders influence Navajo weaving design? What is a "spirit line" or "spirit trail?"
	This topic leads you into the history of the Spanish and their sheep. It takes you into art and art history and design. You'll get a glimpse of Navajo gender roles. You might get into the botany of the dyes associated with Navajo weaving. This is a really interesting topic to research....you become the class authority. Show us what it's all about!

Bibliography: Art of Navajo Weaving (video) Bahti. Southwestern Indians Dedera. Navajo Rugs Eaton. Native American Art of the Southwest Feest. Native Arts of North America Lindig. Navajo: Tradition and Change in the Southwest Penney. Native American Art Warner. The Life and Art of North American Indians
	Spirit Trail