Lorraine Black
Lorraine Black
Navajo After Midnight Basket - Lorraine Black (#250)
$750.00
Navajo After Midnight Basket - Lorraine Black (#250)
$750.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
12 1/2" x 1 1/4" deep
Rounds: 23
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:
War/Squaw Dance
he so called war dance, extensively in vogue with the Navaho today, originated with the mother of the Slayer of Monsters and the Child of Water. For, it is said, when they had slain the monster yeitso, they carried his scalp as a trophy and hung it on a tree previous to reporting to their mother. While relating to her of the encounter with the monster they swooned and lay unconscious, whereupon, it is said, their mother prepared a concoction from herbs struck by lightning, sprinkled them with it, and shot a spruce and pine arrow over their bodies, thus reviving them? More about this legend
Lorraine Black
Navajo At the Sing Basket - Lorraine Black (#251)
$2,500.00
Navajo At the Sing Basket - Lorraine Black (#251)
$2,500.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
18 3/8" x 2 1/2" deep
Rounds: 33
"At the sing," is a representation of the Mountain Chant ceremony practiced by Navajo people. It is a traditional ceremonial activity based on purging negativity from the body and mind. The dance is conducted inside a green circle of branches embraced by the Holy People. Participants sing and sway around a large, hot fire. The Mountain Chant is one of the few remaining ceremonies still being practiced in Navajo-land and it is taken seriously. Lorraine Black is an excellent weaver, and this basket is an exceptional example of her highly developed skill set.
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:
Tsilkehji - Mountain Chant
There were twelve men and two women belonging to one family called N'Dohtet-leh and whose home was at Taylin (Horse Lake in the Apache country); they rode on sun dogs killing the cave dwellers in that region while the two women stayed at Taylin. Early one morning they came to Kintyel near Kayenta and found the cave dwellers holding the Eagle ceremony, and the N'Dohtet-leh killed all the Eagle dancers? More about this legend
Navajo Ceremonial Horses Yei Basket - Lorraine Black (#247)
$2,750.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
21 1/2" x 3" deep
Rounds: 36
Lorraine Black is Navajo through and through, and her baskets reflect her deep knowledge of the culture. Horses to the Navajo represent a great deal of freedom and mobility, and she has made that clear in this masterpiece. In this representation of a rainbow Yei and his horses, she blends an extraordinary amount of symbolism into a nicely designed and executed basket.
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:
Horse
Johano-ai starts each day from his hogan, in the east, and rides across the skies to his hogan in the west, carrying the shining golden disk, the sun. He has five horses a horse of turquoise, a horse of white shell, a horse of pearl shell, a horse of red shell, and a horse of coal? 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 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
Lorraine Black
Navajo Eclipse Basket Set - Lorraine Black (#237)
$1,250.00
Navajo Eclipse Basket Set - Lorraine Black (#237)
$1,250.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
Navajo Baskets
13" x 1 3/4" deep
Rounds: 23
Lorraine Black has had stars in her eyes lately. She has therefore conceived of an eclipse set that will set you reeling. This positive/negative, sun/moon set is like nothing we have espied. Lorraine, always up for a challenge, has determined to make something based in tradition but completely new. Wow, that’s all we have to say, and we’re stickin’ to it.
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?
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?
Navajo Mother Earth/Father Sky Basket - Lorraine Black (#229)
$2,500.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
Navajo Baskets
19" x 3" deep
Rounds: 33
Mother Earth and Father Sky are the two most powerful and influential deities in Navajo culture. Lorraine Yazzie Black has chosen to depict this wondrous couple in her culturally based weaving. Mother Earth is depicted in natural tones, with sacred plants upon her breast and rainbow bars placed about her being. Navajo deities travel on rainbows, so they are prevalent in this basket. Father Sky is decorated with star patterns and an image of the Moon, his alternate ego. Lorraine has finished her weaving with an attractive herringbone stitch. This dynamic duo suit each other well, the balance is complete.
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:
Mother Earth, Father Sky
I have chosen to focus on the "Mother Earth, Father Sky" sandpainting from the Male Shootingway partly because it presents the most detailed depiction of the Navajo heavens of the sandpaintings used today. In addition, since this sandpainting can only be used on the final day of the ceremonial, it embodies the Navajo concept of increase through accumulation. Chanters consider this painting to be a particularly powerful one? More about this legend
Lorraine Black
Navajo Pictorial Basket - Lorraine Black (#225)
$1,995.00
Navajo Pictorial Basket - Lorraine Black (#225)
$1,995.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
Navajo Baskets
16 1/2" x 2 1/2" deep
Rounds: 30
Lorraine Black has proven herself to be one of the best Navajo basket weavers of all time. Through her art, Lorraine is recognized for her interpretations of Navajo family life and ceremony. This particular basket portrays a typical lifestyle scene that could be found almost anywhere in Navajoland. Transportation is a big issue on the Rez, so horses and vehicles are well represented. Social interaction and a healthy herd of sheep are also important to the people. For a storyboard of everyday life in Dinetah, one needs to look to Lorraine for inspiration.
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:
Bear
The bear was the next chief to be called. He was given a name but he was not satisfied. He became so angry that First Man used the word "shash" to quiet him. The bear repeated it four times, and he said that it had a strange sound, and when one said it aloud one had and awesome feeling. So he went off well content that "shash" should be his name.
Lorraine Black
Navajo Sky People Basket - Lorraine Black (#244)
$2,495.00
Navajo Sky People Basket - Lorraine Black (#244)
$2,495.00
Artist: Lorraine Black
18 1/2" x 3" deep
Rounds: 33
Lorraine Black likes sand painting motifs and often incorporates them into her basketry. Maybe that is because of their healing powers, or maybe it’s because of the fine detail associated with this curative medicine. In either case, both these elements are apparent in her Sky People basket. Fine detail combined with careful weaving makes this an exceptionally interesting basket.
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?
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