For the Diné (Navajo), weaving is cosmological. It is also pivotal to the Diné creation story, maintenance of social order and behavior, and the careful balance of the world’s beauty, harmony, and order - called _hózhó_. When weaving, the Diné textile and the weaver become enjoined in _hózhó_, and the task transcends aesthetics and technique. As Diné society is matrilineal and matrilocal, all textiles are female. They are woven by women in a spiritual and economic process of survival for their communities and families. To deconstruct a Navajo textile into only material components like design, size, and color, neglects the importance of the textile and weaver’s souls. These are textiles woven by women, and woven of women. Included in this exhibit are rugs, saddle blankets, and wearing blankets from various districts in the Diné Nation, all from Mingei International Museum's permanent collection.
This exhibition features distinctive rugs and blankets, created by Diné women of the Southwest United States, with geometric designs and patterns, all from Mingei's permanent collection.