If
you haven't seen the exhibit "Dances With Wool" at
Toadlena Trading Post, don't despair: we've published a
stunning NEW book about the exhibit that will look great on
your coffee table!
A word of warning however: Do not buy
the book unless you are ready to be tempted to make a trek
to the Toadlena Trading Post. You will want to see this
fabulous exhibit about Navajo Sandpainting textile in person.
The 72 page volume contains beautiful
photographs of many of the pieces on display, including rare,
historic photographs of Hastiin Klah and contemporary
figurative weavers Mary Ann Foster, Ester Ettcitty and Mary
H. Yazzie.
The quality of the publication is superb and
would be a special gift that you can give proudly. At $28 it
is within everyone's reach.
"Dances With Wool" figurative weaving exhibit is now on
view at the historic Toadlena Trading Post and Weaving Museum. It features
some of the finest Navajo Sandpainting textiles ever created and
celebrates the fifth year since the re-establishment of the post by
Mark and Lerin Winter as the center for contemporary Navajo weaving
on the Navajo reservation.
The essence of timelessness captured.
The roof of the exhibit space simulates the roof of a Navajo
traditional "hooghan." The images represented on these
extraordinary weavings entice your thoughts to the Holy People, so revered
by the Navajo. The textiles are hung against a
black background, giving the impression that the textiles are
suspended in the nighttime sky.
The sheer number of excellent works and evocative nature of the
images invites you to tour the land of the Corn People, Mother Earth
and Father Sky, the Navajo Twins, Kokopelli and other mythological
entities.
Rose Blueeyes, weaving instructor at
Newcomb High School
Works of a famous medicine man are featured.
One of the more renowned weavers featured in the exhibit is the
late Navajo medicine man, Hastiin Klah. Klah is highly regarded by
historians for being considered the first to utilize images from
Navajo sandpaintings in his textiles.
The exhibit opened with tradition and awards.
"Dances with Wool" opened on June 15, 2002 with the
"posting of the colors" honoring Navajo Code Talkers,
followed by
an opening welcome by Cherokee actor Wes Studi. Trading post owners
Mark and Lerin Winter, Wes and Maura Studi and traders Chuck and
Phyllis Kinsey presented awards to more than 60 weavers in
recognition of their accomplishments over the last two years at
juried events around the nation.
Weavers and their family members were on hand to view the
exquisite collection of rugs. Toadlena/Two Grey Hills weavers
featured in "Dances with Wool" include Hastiin Klah, Gladys Manuelito (Hastiin
Klahs niece, also know as Mrs. Sam), Ruby Manuelito, Mary Ann
Foster, Esther Etcitty, and Mary H. Yazzie. Noteworthy sandpainting
weavers from Red Valley, Arizona and other areas of the Navajo
Reservation are included as well.
Toh-Nih Singers present a certificate
of appreciation to Mark Winter
Our previous exhibit, titled "Generations," showcases
the works of Toadlena/Two Grey Hills weavers over the last several generations, arranged by family groups. "Generations" was
featured at the Museum for two years, and it is now at the Center of
Southwest Studies at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
