Navajo weavings mirror the colors and textures of the Southwest

From big city auction houses to remote trading posts, collectors have been searching for textiles of the American Southwest for more than 100 years. Today these textiles, especially those woven by the Navajo, remain popular for their abstract design, stunning colors and superior workmanship. Originally intended as utilitarian items of clothing, these weavings are treasured as works of art as well as for their historical value.

The most highly collected and recognized form, the Navajo blanket, has shifted from outer garment wrapped around the shoulders to that of decoration on floors and walls. Hanging a traditional blanket vertically duplicates how it would have looked covering the doorway of a Navajo hogan.