The Navajo Gallery:

Pottery | Sculpture | Sand Paintings & Memory Aids| Folk Art

 

The Navajo, who refer to themselves as Dine’ or "the people," have a long tradition of artistic excellence. In the 19th century, Navajo weavers were prolific producers of intricately woven blankets. Prime examples of these hang in museums and private collections and sell for tens of thousands of dollars when they come up in auctions. Around the turn of the century, production shifted primarily to rugs woven on the same principle, using a vertical loom of fixed dimensions. There are no written plans as beautiful, symmetrical designs emanate from the imagination and skill of the weaver, weft-by-weft

This colorful representation of Navajo culture and of the domestic and exotic animals of the world has it own charm and humor. From chickens to pigs to zebras and hippos, it is almost impossible to hold or look at these works without generating a smile and special respect for the carver.

Among the more popular of these artists are
Les Herbert, Edith John. Marvin Jim and Matthew Yellowman.

Click on the Thumbnail images below for a larger view and pricing information

Call 239-482-7025 or 800-305-0185 for more information or to order


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DJ69 Edith John	DJ61	DJ60	DJ64		DJ70 Edith John	DJ71 Edith John
DJ73 Edith John	DJ77 Guy & Edith John	DJ76 Edith John	DJ72 Edith John		DJ54	DJ62
DJ63	Di57	Di96	Di83		DJ05	D878
DJ75 - Marvin Jim	DA02	CX23	DC41		DC44	DJ65
DJ36	DJ34	DJ08	DJ74 Ray Lansing		DJ67 Ray Lansing	DJ66
DC05	DC67	DC66	DC03		D994	D799
DJ16	DJ15	DJ47	DJ37		Di99	DF43
CA30 Emma Scott	CA29 F. E.	CA24 Les Herbert	DJ18		DJ17	CA28 Emma Scott
DJ46 Edith John	DJ42 Edith John	DJ43 Edith John	DJ41 Edith John		CA27 Les Herbert	CA25 Les Herbert
	DJ81 Ivetta Sherman	Di73 Ivetta Sherman	DJ78 Ivetta Sherman		D880	Di86
DJ39
	DF66	D812 - Delbert Buck Patriotic BiPlane	D808

Matthew Yellowman was born in Montezuma Creek, UT. His parents were Hugh and Helen Yellowman.
Their well-traveled life led to many changes in Matthew's life as he was growing up. After high school in Ogden, UT, Matthew was trained in masonry work. His artistic calling brought him to start wood carving in 1996, when he was influenced by Navajo folk artist, Rena Juan.

Today, Matthew and Rena often work together, collaborating on ideas. But each does his own "thing".

Matthew finds pieces of dried cotton wood around Navajoland. After rough-cutting the wood, Yellowman uses various mechanical tools to create and finish details. When several pieces have been carved, the painting starts.

Yellowman does not sketch his ideas before carving. He lets his inner vision guide him to the form and shape,
often very complex, to carve. yellowman's arts has given him considerable fame. Occasionally, he can be found at a pow-wow or show, demonstrating his work. Mostly, however, he prefers to work where it's quiet and private, with relaxing music in the background.

Work by Matthew Yellowman is higly prized and very collectable. Each piece brings a special smile and touch of humor to the owner's life.

Pottery
Navajo pottery historically has been more utilitarian in style and construction than the pottery of nearby pueblos. In recent decades, however, more artistic work has emerged and the collection of Navajo art pottery has soared. Potters such as Alice Cling, Suzie Crank and Lorraine Williams are producing extraordinarily beautiful pieces, well-formed, well-polished and impressive in style and shape. For more examples of Native American pottery, visit our sister site at Native-PotteryLink.

PD84 - Susie Crank	PD73 - Sue Williams

Sculpture
Sculpture by Navajo artists also has established itself as world-class quality.
Subjects in alabaster and other native stones take their inspiration from Navajo legends and the individual vision of outstanding sculptors.

Di52 - Reduced	Di72 - Reduced

D635 - Reduced		DD25 - Reduced		DF80 - Reduced		D566 - Reduced
DG92 - Reduced						DF84 - Reduced

Sand Paintings
Another area of Navajo art concerns the traditional ceremonial sand paintings. These designs , when used in various healing ceremonies, provide a spiritual bridge to the other world where harmony reigns. The market is filled with second rate sand paintings that are sold at low cost as clocks, jewelry boxes and inexpensive décor. At the other end of the quality spectrum, extraordinarily detailed sand paintings, employing authentic designs (missing elements not intended for outside exposure), are created by artists of incredible talent. Among these, Hostein Etsitty is a standout. .

Examples of all these art forms are shown in this special Navajo section. Additional examples also in the gallery’s inventory are not shown here but will be provided upon request.

Pottery | Sculpture | Sand Paintings & Memory Aids |Folk Art
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