Posts and Rugs: The Story of Navajo Rugs and Their Homes

In this book, faithfully documented, fully illustrated with exquisite line drawings and color photographs, and some historic old prints, the author has produced a reference book which will be used many times. Here are design drawings showing elements characteristic of different weaving centers; superb color photographs of rugs typical of these centers, and detailed maps of the areas; exquisite line drawing illustrations to accompany the text on all steps from sheep to finished rug; complete outline of history on many of the most significant trading posts; advice on how to buy a Navajo rug, and listing of award winners at recent Navajo crafts displays and fairs. ‘Posts and Rugs, the Story of Navajo Rugs’ isn’t just Navajo rugs, but but also environment which created them. This means the homes, the people, and the whole warp and weft of history on the Reservation as these once nomadic people settled into a pastoral way which favored craft development. To truly show what these gifted folk could do in rug weaving required countless hours of time and miles, much of it spent on back country roads; almost incredible patience to ferret out facts from people not as concerned with the clock as most of us; a vast amount of searching through the extensive literature to pull forth the more significant facts; and to do the job right, the skills of a professional photographer. The author possessed the patience and skill to fit these requirements. H.L. James is no stranger in Navajoland. started collecting rugs in 1960, considering rugs as works of art. He wouldn’t put one on the floor, preferring to hang them according to his wife’s artistic dictates. James is a past two-term president of the New Mexico Historical Society, and is recognized for his writing and photography on Southwestern history and geology. His lectures, writings and fine photography on Navajo rugs have often appeared in New Mexico Magazine., ISBN13: 9780911408355 ISBN10: 0911408355 Material Type: paperback