Introduction
Diyogi (the Navajo rug) has been within the Diné people for hundreds of years. Legends say Spider Woman taught the Diné woman the process of how to gather the tools for weaving, the procedure when preparing to weave, and the intricate designs of the rugs were created with prayers and songs. The first loom was said to be constructed of sky and earth strings, with weaving tools of sunlight, lightning, white shell, and crystal. The weaving tools were and are what the grandmothers say are our weapons of survival, because they clothe, feed, and sustain her family. This method had been taught from generations from the past, and today is taught to young Diné girls from their mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers.
The earliest evidence of a Diné loom found was found in Massacre Cave, and dates from the 1300’s. This proves our people have had early knowledge in using the number line concept. During the early 1600’s to 1700’s rug patterns were simple horizontal designs with basic geometric patterns. Natural colors from plants, silt soil, crushed schist, and the natural color of chiro sheep wool were used to create the colors of the yarn. These early rugs were used as saddle blankets, door coverings, clothing, hair ties, belts, bedrolls and the widely known chief blankets. From the late 1700’s to today, chemical dyes are used to create numerous vivid colors of intricate and complex designs within the rugs. Today these rugs are mainly woven for promotion regalia during a graduation ceremony or for weddings. Currently Diné rugs are skillfully woven with designs of symbolic representation, and some words of names or clans, or with scenery of the land. There is much more to be known about the Navajo rug and I will elaborate more of the topic within my social studies time.
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