Providing Western Art Since 1979

The weaving tradition among the Navajos is almost 300 years old. In the early 1600's, the Navajos were trading baskets and hides of the Pueblos for woven goods. The Pueblos, of course, had been weaving since around 800 A.D.

A by-product of the trading interaction and the expanding homeland of the Navajo was the absorption of weaving technology. In addition, when the Pueblos were reconquered by the Spaniards in 1692, many Pueblos took refuge with the Navajos. Many scholars believe it was at this time that the Navajos really learned the art of the loom.

Whatever the historical beginnings, the development of distinctive Navajo design and workmanship evolved into a unique form by the 1800's. By 1890, the transition from weaving for home consumption to weaving almost solely for the tourist market had been accomplished.

The last three hundred years of weaving has had serious ups and downs. At certain points the craft came close to dying out. Revivals occurred at key times as market demand sparked interest. But growing demand does not mean that the future of Navajo weaving is assured. Young women are no longer learning the craft. And the reason is simply economics. For the time invested in a weaving, other careers pay much more. In addition, spinning, dyeing and weaving are physically hard and time-consuming tasks.

Many experts connected with Navajo weaving doubt that the craft will survive to any great extent. While there are some individuals who have developed great reputations, survival of weaving will need a much broader base. Perhaps survival will come when the weavers pass along their craft to succeeding generations at an earlier age.

In this painting, Ken is showing the way preservation will be accomplished. The mother and children are residents of the Navajo reservation in Arizona. When Ken became acquainted with them, they invited him to visit them at their remote home. According to Ken, it was an artist's dream. What Ken has shown is the dream that perhaps "The Tradition Goes On."

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