Greetings!
Nahasdzáán celebrates the Navajo culture through textiles that their Navajo artist creates. The sales from those textiles are used to share the history of their people and to bring awareness of indigenous peoples of the Americas. Sustainability is something dear to Nahasdzáán and the Navajo couple behind the business.
Navajo Background
Today, the Native American Navajo tribe is the largest American Indian tribe in the United State. About 7,000 members of the tribe reside in Utah. “Navajo” is Spanish; they called themselves “Dine” or “the People”. They are known for their woven rugs and blankets. These blankets were valuable and only the leaders could afford them, which is why they were called “Chief’s Blankets”. The Dine believe there are 2 classes of being: the Earth People and the Holy People. The Holy People are believed to have the power to aid or harm the Earth People. The Holy People put for sacred mountains in 4 different directions. These 4 directions are represented by 4 colors, which are popular in Navajo culture. White Shell represents the east, Turquoise the south, Yellow Abalone the west, and Jet Black the north. By the year 1400, the Navajos came in touch with Pueblo Indians. The Navajos learned farming from the Pueblo Indians and by the 1600s, they had become fully capable of raising their own food. In addition, Pueblo Artistic influences drew Navajo people to adopt painted pottery and weaving.
To learn more about Navajo weaving check out Navajo Weaving – YouTube
Brief History of Navajo Textiles
Navajo textile production including rugs and blankets is an important part of the Navajo economy. These textiles served many purposes and were useful as cloaks, dresses, saddle blankets, etc. Towards the end of the 19th century, we see a shift to weavers making rugs for tourism and export. Traditional Navajo textiles feature geometric motifs and early designs utilize natural brown, white and indigo dyes before the introduction of more vivid colors such as red, green and yellow.
Navajo Products
Nahasdzáán carries a healthy variety of unique and ornate Navajo weavings, textiles, rugs, and more. Check out our store (location here) with features our own in house weaver. You can explore our shop and learn more about the Navajo culture and the company’s sustainability efforts from its owners. We offer products goods both big and small that will satisfy the eye and look good in the home. Below are some images of items that we carry in our store.
