‘Navajo Textiles’ On View At The Bruce Museum

GREENWICH — A new exhibition, “Navajo Textiles from the Bruce Museum,” offers ten examples from the museum’s collection representing the Transitional period to the Rug period, and explores an important era in the history of Navajo artistry as technological advances and the growth of a commercial interest in Navajo craft replaced traditional methods of weaving.

The collection will remain on view until March 22.

For more than 300 years, Navajo women have created textiles that combine both traditional techniques and influences from the changing world around them. The earliest Navajo weavings took the form of utilitarian Wearing Blankets and other items of clothing and were usually decorated with simple bands of stripes. More complex designs — crosses, diamonds, and zigzag borders — also appeared during this Classic Period (1650-1865).

In the late 1800s, Navajo culture experienced a rapid transformation as US policy forced changes in living conditions, language, clothing, and many other aspects of life. During the Transitional Period (1865-1895) weaving was increasingly aimed at outside markets and production became focused on creating rugs rather than blankets. In addition, newly available commercial dyes become popular and yielded a variety of vividly colored textiles.

Beginning in the late 19th Century, Euro-American-owned trading posts on the Navajo reservation played an important role in the development of Navajo weavings. The Rug Period (1895 to the present) has been typified by distinctive regional designs that employ specific color schemes and patterns, each associated with a different trading post. Navajo weavers have continued to be sensitive to the desires of the Western art market, responding to the popularity of the reds of the Ganado rugs, the black, white and brown of Two Gray Hills and the muted earth tones of the Crystal weavings.

An increase in the variety of pictorial patterns aided in transitioning Navajo weaving into its current phase that includes the creation of purely decorative wall hangings. Unique in their individual style and intention, collectively these Navajo weavings offer an example of the seamless merging of aesthetic consideration and function into an enduring art form. 

When comparing 19th Century blankets and 20th Century rugs, outward differences in designs and function are visible. Across the generations, Navajo weavers have embraced change, remaining flexible to new ideas and materials. The history of Navajo weaving continues; over the past century, Navajo weaving has flourished, maintaining its importance as a vital native art to the present day. Virtually all the 19th and 20th Century styles of blankets and rugs are still woven, and new styles continue to appear.

The Bruce Museum is at 1 Museum Drive in Greenwich, near Interstate 95 Exit 3, and a short walk from the Greenwich rail station.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 1 to 5 pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and free for children under age five and members. Admission is free for all visitors on Tuesdays.

Groups of eight or more require advance reservations. Free, on-site parking is available. The Bruce Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

For information, call the Bruce Museum at 203-869-0376 or visit BruceMuseum.org.