Item 22: How Navajo rugs are made, 1944

Color image of Navajo woman working on loom to the right, while another woman spins thread on a distaff on the left, and a small child next to her hand cards the wool. Printed on reverse: "How Navajo rugs are made. This scene represents the making of a Navajo rug in the Indians' home or Hogan, which is done in the winter time. In summer, the weaving is done outdoors under the shade of a tree. After the wool has been sheared from the sheep, sorted and washed, it is carded, to make the fibers lie in one direction, which is here being done by the small girl in the center. It is then worked into a cord and wound upon a distaff, which is being done by the woman at the left. This operation is repeated many times until the cord has been twisted to the desired fineness and hardness. That which is to be red is then dyed. The last step is the weaving. The manner of weaving and the loom with an unfinished blanket, or rug, are shown at the right. These fabrics, of all wool, and entirely hand made are becoming greatly appreciated for their wearing qualities no less than their striking beauty." C.T. American Art Colored. Postmarked Jul. 26, 1944 in Biggs Field, Texas. 14 x 9 cm.

Format: Postcard.