Book - Navajo Ceremonial Baskets: Sacred Symbols Sacred Space [SOLD]

From the Back Cover:

“Before the earth was created as we know it, there were the jewel baskets one of white shell, one of turquoise, one of jet, one of abalone, and two others. When First Man and First Woman were created, then the regular ceremonial basket came after these baskets. This ceremonial basket is all of the jewel baskets combined into one.”
—John Holiday

From this quote we gain a sense of the seminal importance of the ceremonial basket in Navajo culture. Each color, each stitch represents an aspect of nature, life, the people, and their ancestral beginnings. The baskets and the ceremonies in which they are used are essential to the well-being, balance, and harmony of both individuals and the community.

Included here are:

• detailed color photographs of vintage and modern baskets
• portraits of award-winning basket weavers and their work
• illustrations of designs, artifacts, and related objects
• in-depth interviews with Navajo medicine men
• a section honoring a new generation of Navajo weavers
• tips about the etiquette and safekeeping of ceremonial baskets
• techniques for making tight-sealing woven water jars
• colorful tales of Kicking Rock Man, Changing Woman, Monster Slayer, and their role in the origin of the baskets
• a glossary of essential Navajo words