Navajo Baskets
Joann Johnson
Navajo Rainbow Basket - Joann Johnson (#118)
$2,750.00
Navajo Rainbow Basket - Joann Johnson (#118)
$2,750.00
Artist: Joann Johnson
19" across x 3 1/2" deep
Rounds: 36
Joann Johnson is all about color; the color she sees every day living in Monument Valley by way of rainbows, the color of her heritage, and the color of the people inhabiting her world. Taking all these influences and blending them together in her basketry results in an explosion of creativity and cultural beauty. Joann is one of the best contemporary Navajo basket weavers and her weavings are a joy to own.
About the artist:
A fourth generation Navajo basket weaver, Joann Johnson has a passionate awareness of her heritage and history. Born and raised in Monument Valley, she has spent her life in the Navajo heartland, surrounded by the sacred mountains and monuments that tell the stories of her people's past.
Related legends:
Colors
Color, an outstanding symbol of Navaho ceremonialism, is especially significant in combination, but first I discuss the more general aspects of each color in the order in which they most commonly occur. No color or sequence runs through a single chant consistently; none has the same meaning in every setting, nor does chance account for apparent exceptions to the rules; every detail is calculated. If there seems to be a variation, it is for cause?
Navajo Rainbow Man Basket - Elsie Holiday (#419)
$2,750.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
15 1/2" x 17 1/4" x 3" deep
Rounds: 24
Elsie Holiday is constantly probing the outer envelope of creativity. That is, of course, the reason her baskets are so innovative. Super weaving aside, she has an extremely active imagination. Just take a look at “Rainbow Man” and you will readily agree there is no other contemporary Navajo basket maker who does work like this.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
See full biography | See all items by Elsie Holiday
Related legends:
Rainbow People
Straight Rainbow People are pictured in a few sandpaintings of Mountainway Shooting Branch, Nightway, Big Godway, and Upward-reachingway. They do not differ from representations of People in general, except that they have red and blue bodies. Bent, curved, or Whirling Rainbow People are found in sandpaintings for Beautyway, male Shootingway, Nightway, Mountainway, and male Plumeway. This last one shows four Rainbow People with their bodies curved not quite to a right angle, something like the eight slightly curved Rainbow People of Beautyway? More about this legend
Navajo Ceremonial Jingle Dance Basket - Lorraine Black (#255)
$2,950.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
21" x 2 1/4" deep
Rounds: 32
A pow-wow is a gathering of North America's Native people. The word derives from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning ‘spiritual leader’. By presenting this woven treasure, Lorraine Black has proven to be a bit of a ‘spiritual leader’ in her own right. At the very least she can be considered a ‘leader of the band’. A modern pow-wow is an event where both Native and non-Native Americans meet to dance, sing, socialize and honor Indian culture. In her basket, Lorraine portrays a ceremonial center representing the Navajo universe and bead-bedecked dancers of various styles circling the world of her people. These guys are giving their all to the occasion—there was fun and merriment had by all!
About the artist:
Inspired by dreams, Lorraine Black's skills have literally elevated basket weaving to new dimensions. Lorraine Black's infectious laugh belies the serious magic her hands conjure up when weaving a basket. Unprecedented in her ideas, Lorraine's baskets are innovative and beautiful. Many of them make good use of texture through over-stitching and the addition of objects such as flint arrowheads or horsehair.
Related legends:
Games/Entertainment
Now it happened in the early days that the night animals wished it were night all the time, and the day animals wished it were day all the time. So they decided to have a game, and the winner of the game would determine whether it would be always day or always night? More about this legend
Certificate of Authenticity
Navajo Eternity Face Basket - Elsie Holiday (#389)
$2,995.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Basket
15 1/2" x 17 1/2" x 1 1/2" deep
Rounds: 26
Elsie Holiday's "Eternity Face" baskets is eerily stunning. Elsie constantly challenges herself to make better and more unusual weavings, and in this one she has outdone herself. Great colors, super weaving and an extraordinary motif combine to make this an exquisite basket.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Dine Emergence/Creation
This is a story told by the Navajo people by word of mouth to the young and old. The Navajo believe there are Five Worlds. We are presently in the fifth world. The first world was a small, dark and water filled world. It was known as the Red World where the flying insects were the first and only people. The second world was blue with the air. The spirit people here were swallows? More about this legend
Navajo Three Necklaces Basket - Elsie Holiday (#376)
$3,125.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Basket
16" x 18" x 1" deep
Rounds: 24
Elsie Holiday has taken a rainbow of colors to make this figurative basket. Faces have become her forte, and we must face it, she is the best. When it comes to execution, there is none better.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Navajo Changing Woman
These four visit Changing Woman in her home in the west and see how she changes her age and form as she passes through doors at each of the directions. She decrees her gifts to earth people Cloud, rain, pollen, dew and gives them prayersticks. She tells them that now "there is no meanness left" in her : however First Man and Woman who went east are mean, and from them will come epidemics, colds, and coughs to be cured by offerings of white corn?
Navajo Coyote & First Man Basket - Lorraine Black (#234)
$3,125.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
Navajo Basket
20" x 3 1/2" deep
Rounds: 35
Lorraine Yazzie Black tells a tall tale with this basket. Tall, as in packed with information. Within the center of Lorraine's weaving there is a depiction of a ceremonial basket with the story of Coyote and First Man Placing the Stars. The story is based on chaos and order, and revolves around the formation of constellations and the Milky Way. Twelve Sky People look down upon the scene, while Eagles serve as intermediaries between the real and spirit worlds. The blue face of the Sun and the yellow features of the Moon make an appearance, as does the Bat who is considered a messenger. Last, but certainly not least, Lorraine's horse Otis has found his way onto the basket, possibly as a way of keeping things grounded. With her weavings Lorraine is a great storyteller, one definitely worth listening to.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Inspired by dreams, Lorraine Black's skills have literally elevated basket weaving to new dimensions. Lorraine Black's infectious laugh belies the serious magic her hands conjure up when weaving a basket. Unprecedented in her ideas, Lorraine's baskets are innovative and beautiful. Many of them make good use of texture through over-stitching and the addition of objects such as flint arrowheads or horsehair.
See full biography
Related legends:
First Man
In the East, at the place where the Black Cloud and the White Cloud met, First Man, Atse'hastqin, was formed; and with him was formed the white corn, perfect in shape, with kernels covering the whole ear. Dohonot i'ni is the name of this first seed corn, and it is also the name of the place where the Black Cloud and the White Cloud met. More about this legend
Coyote, First Man and Placing the Stars
After four nights had come and gone First Woman and First Man saw that the sky was too dark. More lights were needed up there for those who wished to travel by night, expecially when the moon did not shine? More about this legend
Elsie Holiday
Navajo Bull Too Basket - Elsie Holiday (#402)
$3,250.00
Navajo Bull Too Basket - Elsie Holiday (#402)
$3,250.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Basket
16" x 18" x 2 1/2" deep
Rounds: 26
No bull, this “Bull Too” basket by Elsie Holiday is a wonderment. Abstract in terms of design and color, this weaving stands as a testament to Elsie’s amazing talent. Hallelujah brother, we believe she is the very best!
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Property
Among the explanatory elements already cited, two concern property or material possessions the prescription of the marriage payment and the belief that earth people would quarrel over sandpaintings. The possession of property is used as a standard of comparison in a reference to Apache aliens; The fact that Navajo runners win valuables from them is given as the reason why the Navajo have ever since been richer than their neighbors. These references indicate the importance attributed to the possession of property, particularly as it is useful for sexual and ritual purposes? More about this legend
Navajo Spiders & Snakes Basket - Lorraine Black (#254)
$3,250.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
22 3/4" x 2 1/4" deep
Rounds: 42
Spiders and Snakes, oh my! Images of creatures such as these are rarely placed on Navajo art because they are exceedingly powerful, and most artists dare not tempt fate. To upset their volatile nature is to cause chaotic reaction. To honor them in an acceptable manner, however, can bring about great favor. Lorraine Black has been through a Blessing Way ceremony to cleanse her mind and thought. She also has enough confidence in her abilities to believe she can bring about a benevolent reaction through her tribute to these powers that be. We believe she is correct in that assumption. Amazing!
About the artist:
Inspired by dreams, Lorraine Black's skills have literally elevated basket weaving to new dimensions. Lorraine Black's infectious laugh belies the serious magic her hands conjure up when weaving a basket. Unprecedented in her ideas, Lorraine's baskets are innovative and beautiful. Many of them make good use of texture through over-stitching and the addition of objects such as flint arrowheads or horsehair.
See full biography | See all items by Lorraine Black
Related legends:
Big Snake - Navajo Mythological Creature
This mythological creature is prominent in the legend of Navaho Windway so it is fitting that the majority of naturalistic snake sandpaintings in collections are of this short, thick, often horned and feathered beast. Moreover, Big Snakes function as guardians in other types of sandpaintings. Besides their horns and feathers signifying power and speed, red spots on their heads symbolize their dangerous venom, and speckled bodies make them more terrifying?
Spider Woman
"Spider Woman instructed the Navajo women how to weave on a loom which Spider Man told them how to make. The crosspoles were made of sky and earth cords, the warp sticks of sun rays, the healds of rock crystal and sheet lightning. The batten was a sun halo, white shell made the comb. There were four spindles: one a stick of zigzag lightning with a whorl of cannel coal; one a stick of flash lightning with a whorl of turquoise; a third had a stick of sheet lightning with a whorl of abalone; a rain streamer formed the stick of the fourth, and its whorl was white shell."? More about this legend
Navajo Changing Woman Basket - Elsie Holiday (#374)
$3,750.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Baskets
16 1/2" x 18 1/2" x 1 1/2" deep
Rounds: 23
The Changing Woman theme has been good to Elsie Holiday. Maybe this is because the divinely depicted goddess is based on totally positive energy. Changing Woman has the resourcefulness to absorb negative energy and redistribute it in a positive manner. Now that would come in handy! Elsie also has the ability to create something visually stimulating from raw vegetation, another gift from Mother Earth. Elsie hopes her depictions of Changing Woman will help others realize the honor and respect our worldly hostess requires to survive.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Navajo Changing Woman
These four visit Changing Woman in her home in the west and see how she changes her age and form as she passes through doors at each of the directions. She decrees her gifts to earth people Cloud, rain, pollen, dew and gives them prayersticks. She tells them that now "there is no meanness left" in her : however First Man and Woman who went east are mean, and from them will come epidemics, colds, and coughs to be cured by offerings of white corn?
Navajo Monument Valley or Bust Basket - Lorraine Black (#232)
$3,750.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
Navajo Basket
20" x 3 1/4" deep
Rounds: 36
Monument Valley or bust! That seems to be the theme of numerous gangs of motorcyclists these days. Here at Twin Rocks we see motorcycle mamas and papas by the score and so must Lorraine Black. Lorraine was so impressed by the throngs of Harley's and the like that she expressed her amazement through her art. Lorraine's fine weave and unique overstitch technique help her create the most amazing and unique baskets ever.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Inspired by dreams, Lorraine Black's skills have literally elevated basket weaving to new dimensions. Lorraine Black's infectious laugh belies the serious magic her hands conjure up when weaving a basket. Unprecedented in her ideas, Lorraine's baskets are innovative and beautiful. Many of them make good use of texture through over-stitching and the addition of objects such as flint arrowheads or horsehair.
Related legends:
Navajo Basketry
Basketry is a woman's industry, which is also pursued by the nadle (he changes), hermaphrodites, or men skilled in the arts and industries of both men and women. Basketry, however, is not classified with textile fabrics (yistl'o), but with sewing (nalkhad). It is of interest also that, while the basket is in progress, the sewer is untouched and avoided by the members of her family?
Elsie Holiday
Navajo Star Bull Basket - Elsie Holiday (#395)
$3,750.00
Navajo Star Bull Basket - Elsie Holiday (#395)
$3,750.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Basket
17" x 19" x 3 1/2" deep
Rounds: 25
Dola is the word for Bull in the Navajo language and a Bull, to a Navajo, is quite a valuable commodity. For centuries the Navajo people have discerned their wealth by way of livestock. The more sheep, horses and cows one has the wealthier they are. To own a bull would be cause for celebration because that would mean perpetuation of the herd was assured. Elsie Holiday and her family have a small herd of cows and one feisty little, old bull. Maybe Elsie is desirous of a big, healthy bovine to help expand her brood of rangy roustabouts. Whatever the case we are happy Elsie saw fit to share her thoughts and creation with us.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Navajo Basketry
Basketry is a woman's industry, which is also pursued by the nadle (he changes), hermaphrodites, or men skilled in the arts and industries of both men and women. Basketry, however, is not classified with textile fabrics (yistl'o), but with sewing (nalkhad). It is of interest also that, while the basket is in progress, the sewer is untouched and avoided by the members of her family?
Navajo Polychrome Dream Basket - Elsie Holiday (#407)
$3,975.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Basket
21 1/2" x 5" deep
Rounds: 34
Elsie Holiday has created a dream of a basket in her latest “Dream Basket”. Taking one of her classic designs and adding a bit of red, she has gone from monotone to polychrome in the stitch of the hand. Never one to shy away from difficult designs, Elsie has mastered all aspects of contemporary Navajo basketry. A master she surely has become.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Navajo Basketry
Basketry is a woman's industry, which is also pursued by the nadle (he changes), hermaphrodites, or men skilled in the arts and industries of both men and women. Basketry, however, is not classified with textile fabrics (yistl'o), but with sewing (nalkhad). It is of interest also that, while the basket is in progress, the sewer is untouched and avoided by the members of her family?
Navajo Germantown Squash Blossom Basket - Elsie Holiday (#368)
$4,375.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Baskets
22" x 3" deep
Rounds: 35
Okay, whatever superlatives you want to apply to this six petal squash blossom basket by Elsie Holiday will be appropriate. Fantastic, unparalleled, amazing? Sure. When people see it in the trading post, they are actually taken aback by its beauty. The weaving takes their breath away. That, however, should come as no surprise. Elsie has been making the best contemporary Navajo basketry for years and years. It's hot, get it while you can!
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Navajo Basketry
Basketry is a woman's industry, which is also pursued by the nadle (he changes), hermaphrodites, or men skilled in the arts and industries of both men and women. Basketry, however, is not classified with textile fabrics (yistl'o), but with sewing (nalkhad). It is of interest also that, while the basket is in progress, the sewer is untouched and avoided by the members of her family?
Navajo Whirlwind Polychrome Basket - Elsie Holiday (#399)
$4,500.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Basket
18" x 6" deep
Rounds: 32
This basket design originated from a photograph of Yellow Feather, a Maricopa Indian woman. The original image was likely taken in the late 1800s, and featured Yellow Feather posing with a wonderful weaving perched on her head. When Elsie Holiday saw the photo, she knew she would recreate the basket. In her precise style, Elsie has done exactly that and once again created wonderment. You can never go wrong acquiring an Elsie Holiday basket.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Whirlwinds/Breathing
After the bow and arrows of lightning were returned to the Sun, Hasjelti and Hasjohon came to First Man and First Woman and asked them what they thought about all that had happened. "What will take place now will be your plan," they said. "Yes," answered First Man and First Woman, "Now it must be our plan. We will think about it." The Sun brought a turquoise man fetish and gave it to Yol gai esdzan, the White Bead Woman? More about this legend
Navajo Collage Basket - Peggy Black (#398)
$4,975.00
Artist: Peggy Black
Navajo Basket
26" x 4 1/2" deep
Rounds: 44
Peggy Rock Black has drawn inspiration from her Native legends and culture to weave a grouping of snapshots within her textural art form. Her "Collage" basket contains images representing legend, life ways, and ceremonialism and Navajo history all packed into one fantastic package. It is significant that Peggy places such important aspects of her people into her baskets in order to spark interest and open a dialogue to those issues on her mind and close to her heart. There are less than one hundred Navajo basket weavers left producing their craft these days and few are in the league of Peggy Rock-Black.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
One of the famous Douglas Mesa basket weavers, there wasn't much question about what Peggy Rock Black would choose to pursue in life. She was born into a family of weavers before she married into an equally talented family of weavers.
Related legends:
All Animals
After completion of the ceremony the twins return to teach it to earth people and then depart to become guardians respectively of the thunder storm and of animals.
Long Walk
Navajo Corn Basket with Lid - Elsie Holiday (#231)
$7,250.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Circumference: 37 3/4" Height: 13 1/2"
Opening: 9 1/2"
Corn is the staff of life. The Navajo people believe they were created from corn. With the aid of deity and sacred buckskin, man sprang from white corn and woman yellow. It is the most sacred of all plants and is used in every ceremony. Elsie Holiday made and dedicated this woven vessel in honor of corn and its significance to her people. This formidable yet elegant vessel is a triumph in the art of basketry, not many weavers would even attempt such a thing. Not only did Elsie attempt it, she mastered it.
Navajo Solar Eclipse Basket Set - Elsie Holiday (#380)
$7,975.00
Artist: Elsie Holiday
Navajo Baskets
Set of 5:
Largest: 14" x 1 1/2" deep
Rounds: 22
Elsie Holiday has been studying solar eclipses lately. It is no surprise then that her latest weavings follow that theme. In this five basket set, Elsie shows us each phase if this sacred occurrence. This series is hot!
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Considered one of the best Navajo basket weavers, Elsie Stone Holiday married into the famed Douglas Mesa family of weavers. Weaving baskets has become almost an addiction for her. "When I go two or three days without weaving I get anxious to get started again," she says. She weaves 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. "Sometimes I think, 'How long can this last?'", she wistfully states, but for now she is content with her art, finding immense satisfaction in creating premier quality baskets.
Related legends:
Moon
The Navajo say that "the moon was given to the whites . . . in the beginning of life on this earth." They reason that "it belongs to the white people" because it "has a nose and mouth with a face of a white man;" also it "is like the white people's skin, transparent." ? More about this legend
Sun
The morning after their arrival the sun rises as a red glare indicating danger. Pg. 206, Flint Way.
The attack proceeds, and they fight even in the village. Two of Sun's children are killed, and Sun rises red and trembling until the perfect shell discs in which they were dressed are recovered for him? More about this legend