NAVAJO SHEPHERD AND WEAVER [SOLD]

NAVAJO SHEPHERD AND WEAVER by Gladys A. Reichard; Published by J. J. Augustin Publisher, New York City.  First edition, hardback, November 1936. Cover is board overlaid with burlap with red printed title and design.  222 pages, 60 plates, 35 text figures.

Condition: very good condition

From the Foreword

This description of Navajo weaving aims to present the attitude of the weaver toward her work.  It is based upon the experience of four summers (1930-1933) during which time I lived with Red Point’s family and learned, among many other things, the principles of weaving.  I myself tried all the processes described, with the constant, kindly, and patient critical accompaniment of my Navajo friends, and accomplished them with varying degrees of success.

There is a great difference between experience with carding, spinning, weaving and just knowing about them or watching someone else do them.  Experience points out the problems, suggests the motives, accepts or discards the procedures.  All these depend upon knowledge and feeling for the smallest details and coordination of that information into a unit of action.

Table of Contents

Chapters

 I. The weaver

II. Wool

III. Yarn

IV. Color

V. Natural colors

VI. Implements

VII. Warpstringing

VIII. Setting up the loom

IX. Manipulation

X. Continuation of weaving

XI. Pattern

XII. Saddleblanket patterns

XIII. Designing ordinary weaves

XIV. Designing saddleblanket weaves

XV. Warp weaving

XVI. Style

XVII. Sandpainting tapestries

XVIII. Origin and Age

XIX. Symbolism

XX. Opinions

XXI. How to buy a blanket

XXII. Virtuosity

Appendices:

I. Implements and materials for rugs

II. Implements and materials for warp-weaving

III. Lessons

IV. List of Navajo names used for materials for natural dyes

Appendix V. Glossary of weaving terms