NAVAJO SHEPHERD AND WEAVER [Reprint Edition] [SOLD]

NAVAJO SHEPHERD AND WEAVER [Reprint Edition]

By Gladys A. Reichard

First edition published by J. J. Augustin Publisher, New York, 1936

This Rio Grande Press, Inc. first edition published in 1968

New Condition, never read

Foreword from the First Edition

             “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.

            “Since the learning was empirical and as nearly like that of a Navajo as possible, it is to be expected that it was detailed.  The only thing I knew when I started was that I was to transform wool into a Navajo blanket, and the theoretical principles of that transformation.  The Navajo method of teaching is ‘showing;’ never is there an explanation or a generalization.  Most weavers do not analyze their problems, although a few can formulate their difficulties.  They do, however, work out solutions which are sometimes novel and clever.

            “Although the method may at first seem time-consuming, its rewards are of such a different nature from those obtained by any other method that they are well worth the time required.  Besides showing up every weakness, it also furnished examples of individual cases, for every teacher has her peculiarities, and every weaver has her short-cuts.  If one learns each move himself, he becomes aware of all departures from what he might define as the norm.  At the same time, he learns a great many things not directly connected with the weaving itself but quite as important to the ethnologists.  Especially is this true of a group of people as isolated and scattered as any particular Navajo family.”  Gladys Reichard

Table of Contents

 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

V. Glossary of weaving terms