Navajo Rug Weaving

A Living Tradition

Black, gray, and white Navajo rug laying on a wooden table, artist is myself

Bertha Stevens (Dine/Navajo) Weaving outside of a wooden hogan, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute

Three Navajo Women, One Weaving Blanket on Vertical Loom, One Carding Wool, Another Spinning Wool with Whorl; Man Wearing Blanket Watching Flock of Sheep in Canyon, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute

Rug with ceremonial themes, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute

For centuries, the Navajo people have passed down the sacred art of rug weaving through generations. This intricate craft is more than a way to make textiles — it is a deeply spiritual and cultural expression that tells stories, preserves history, and celebrates identity. Traditional Navajo rugs are known for their geometric patterns, earthy colors, and symbolic meanings.

Each design is unique, often reflecting the weaver’s personal journey, the natural landscapes of the American Southwest, and traditional stories passed down through oral tradition. Today, Navajo rug weaving continues to thrive — a resilient form of living art that connects past, present, and future.