Knowing your history is as important as being aware of the most sought after new technologies. After all, technology has never been about forgetting your roots! While history is a lot about learning from the mistakes of our forefathers, it is also about drawing inspiration from them. Talking about inspiration, Navajo art, which goes back to the Navajo tribe, is truly inspirational. Today, the Navajo tribe inhabits the southwestern US and boasts of a rich culture. Navajo art has come to occupy an important place in today’s modern art realm. From Navajo coin purse to Navajo art on coffee mugs and wall hangings, you encounter a little of Navajo everywhere.
The essence of being Navajo is beautifully depicted by Navajo artisans. They have depicted Navajo art on coin purses, rugs, shawls and what not. Different meanings are associated with various symbols and patterns used by Navajo artisans. Navajo art is an amazing blend of history and proficiency. Exotic color palettes and prominent themes used in Navajo art are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflect this native American tribe’s history, spirituality, and legends!
Let us try to understand the meanings associated with some designs used by Navajo artisans:
*Diamond and triangle are two of the earliest designs used by Navajo weavers. These design elements that were incorporated into wearing blankets are still quite popularly utilized in contemporary Navajo rugs. Elders of the community will tell you that the diamond depicts the Navajo homeland also referred to as Dinétah. Four corners of the diamond symbolize the four sacred corners of Dinétah that are marked by four sacred mountains.
The essence of being Navajo is beautifully depicted by Navajo artisans. They have depicted Navajo art on coin purses, rugs, shawls and what not. Different meanings are associated with various symbols and patterns used by Navajo artisans. Navajo art is an amazing blend of history and proficiency. Exotic color palettes and prominent themes used in Navajo art are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflect this native American tribe’s history, spirituality, and legends!
Let us try to understand the meanings associated with some designs used by Navajo artisans:
*Diamond and triangle are two of the earliest designs used by Navajo weavers. These design elements that were incorporated into wearing blankets are still quite popularly utilized in contemporary Navajo rugs. Elders of the community will tell you that the diamond depicts the Navajo homeland also referred to as Dinétah. Four corners of the diamond symbolize the four sacred corners of Dinétah that are marked by four sacred mountains.
*Triangles, on the other hand, are considered to be the basic building block of Navajo design. When placed one upon another, triangles come to stand for prayer feathers or songs. Navajo coin purse, a relatively new idea, also adorn these designs!
*The ‘spirit line’ emerged as an important element with many Navajo weavers after 1900. The main reason being the request from traders for borders around the weavings done for them. Weavings were being sold using the trading post system by this time and most traditional Navajo weavers were worried that their creative spirit will get trapped within the weaving and they wouldn’t be able to weave any further. The ‘spirit line’ is just a tiny strand of yarn consisting of contrasting colors flowing from the inner design to the outer edge of the weaving.
Another design element used by Navajo artists is the symbol of lightning. Navajo mythology dictates that not only was lightning used to make tools for weaving but it also helped define the power of a particular rug or blanket!
If you want to make a style statement each time you walk out of the house, just carry a Navajo coin purse and trust us you will be sorted! Visit NAVAJO ARTIST and checkout some elegant and enamoring Navajo art on a coin purse and be enthralled.
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