The Navajo and Pueblo Native Americans

The history of weaving and knitting is one that dates back to before written records. Weaving is a worldwide art and because it can be so specific to each region of the globe, it seemed like a perfect way to learn about all different types of culture and to try and refresh my memory from AP Human Geography sophomore year in high school.

It seems to me that knitting and weaving are most often associated with Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Most patterns that we see in books and magazines that are ethnic are from those regions and other parts of Europe. I think we sometimes overlook those lesser known cultures, some even in our own country, and what knitting and weaving mean in everyday life. So, for my first cultural weaving blog post, I decided to research the Native American culture and what weaving means to them.

Native American tribes are spread out all over the U.S. and different tribes and regions have various meanings and uses attached to weaving, but not so much to knitting. Most of the time these differences come from the availability of materials or climate. For example, the more northern tribes wouldn't necessarily have prairie grass or a lot of warm weather, whereas the Pueblo tribes of the southwest probably wouldn't use cedar bark or need to make excessively warm garments. Basketweaving is what most people think of when it comes to weaving, but many tribes made and still make blankets, clothing and other items necessary to life.

The Navajo and Pueblo tribes of the southwest United States are famous for blanketweaving. The weaving began with grasses that grow in the area they settled in, but when the Spanish began to colonize the area, sheep wool became available. Different types of looms were developed, ranging in size from small belt looms to upright looms, which were much larger. Natural dyes were used to produce the right colors, and other yarns from England were used when trading began. Elaborately woven blankets were, in the early stages, a symbol of wealth, and only the chiefs and more wealthy would have them. The weaving patterns were often geometric and colorful, and today, it is considered an art worldwide.

Because there are so many different tribes with their own traditions concerning weaving, I decided to stick with just one for now. Otherwise, this post would be way too long. But there will definitely be more about the different Native American ways of weaving.

Source:

Anderson, Lee, and Eric Anderson. "Article on the History of Navajo Weaving by Lee and Eric Anderson - Americana Indian Traders." Native American Art, Navajo Jewellery, Navajo Jewelry, Navajo Rugs, Hopi Jewelry, Southwest Art. Anderson's Americana Indian & Western Shows. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. <http://www.americana.net/rugs_article.html#last200>.