Textile

Edith Yazzie

2011

Wool, tapestry weave

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A rectangular wool tapestry features a repeating diamond pattern in shades of brown, tan, and white, bordered by black and white stripes. Small tassels hang from the top corners. In the 19th century, several weaving styles emerged from the regions of Diné (Navajo) country. Two Grey Hills, one of the most famous of these regional styles, is characterized by its striking colors. Preferring the natural colors of wool harvested from their sheep, artists carefully spun their wool so as to produce an especially fine grade of tapestry. Woven with 45 to 100 wefts (horizontal threads) per inch, Two Grey Hills tapestries were meticulously designed, skillfully executed, and incredibly labor intensive. Contemporary artists like Edith Yazzie honor this rich heritage by maintaining the natural color palette and exceptiona