Navajo weavers / Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-'82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 371-392.

Name: Navajo weavers / Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-'82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 371-392.
Author: Washington Matthews

By Washington Matthews

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About This Book

An ethnographic report examines Navajo weaving, describing its materials, tools, and techniques and tracing influences from Pueblo and Spanish sources. It details fiber preparation, spinning with a simple spindle, loom construction, pattern formation, and methods for making blankets, sashes, and belts, illustrated with diagrams and plates. Dye recipes and sources are explained, including native yellows, indigo, and a black produced from sumac, roasted ocher, and piñon gum. The account contrasts Navajo and Pueblo practices and notes adoption of imported yarns and trade cloth.

About the Author

Washington Matthews

Washington Matthews was an American ethnologist and physician known for his significant contributions to the study of Native American cultures, particularly the Navajo people. His work with the Bureau of Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institution led to important publications that documented traditional Navajo arts and ceremonies. Notable among his writings are "Navajo Silversmiths" and "The Mountain Chant, A Navajo Ceremony," which provide valuable insights into the cultural practices and craftsmanship of the Navajo community. Matthews' research has played a crucial role in preserving the heritage and understanding of Native American traditions.