Spider Woman & Trading Posts
🧵 A Collaborative Exhibition of Works from the Permanent Collections of The Art Center of Western Colorado and Museums of Western Colorado
Presented at Museum of the West 🏺
Key Dates & Location 🗓️
Exhibit Dates: –
Location: Museum of the West, Museums of Western Colorado
462 Ute Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Please note: This exhibition is hosted at Museum of the West, not at The Art Center’s North Seventh Street location.
Exhibition Details 🌄
This collaborative exhibition explores how Diné (Navajo) weaving styles developed. Before the United States acquired what is now the American Southwest, Diné textiles were highly sought-after as trade items. According to Diné beliefs, “Spider Woman” instructed the People on how to weave on the first loom from sky, earth, sunrays, and lightning.
When traders began establishing trading posts across the Navajo Reservation, they encouraged weavers to create unique patterns associated with their specific trading posts. This practice spread, and by the mid-20th century, dozens of regional patterns had emerged as part of the Regional Weaving Styles. Today, with improved transportation on the Reservation, Diné weavers have moved beyond strict adherence to regional patterns, more freely mixing styles and experimenting with wholly new designs.
Explore the diverse beauty and stunning artwork of Diné weavers in this unique exhibition, showcasing treasures from both The Art Center of Western Colorado and Museums of Western Colorado. ✨