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

Folk Art
Perhaps the most popular genre of Navajo art is that which currently is appearing in significant number – "folk art." 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 and Marvin Jim.
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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DH10

D994

DC03

Di83

CX23

DC05

DC67

DC66

DC44

Di58

Di59

DC71

DC69

Di57

CX22

D878

DC41

DA02

Di55

Di99

DJ17

DJ18

D798

DC37

Di96

DJ04

DF43

Di73

Di97

D235

DJ15

DJ16

D799

DJ07

D611

DJ05

Di95

 

DJ02		DJ08	DJ01		DJ06
D278	D233		D880		Ci01
D571	D273		D234		Di87
Di86		Di93	Di91		D791- 3-pc cat family
D808		DF67		DF66	D81
Isn't Navajo folk art fun? Do you have a piece in your home?

 

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 - Crank	PD73 - Williams
D630 - Yazzie

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	Di72

D635		DD25		DH40	D566
DG92			DF80		DF84

Sand Paintings & Memory Aids
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. Yet another aspect of sand painting art is "memory aids." These are paintings on muslin, done almost exclusively by the Halate family, of various elements used in creating working sand paintings. Examples of these pieces are becoming more difficult to find.

A112

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.