For the Navajo, weaving is more than a cultural and artistic expression - it is a principle means of supporting families. Through the rug catalog, rug show, and other venues, ANE does its best to try to help provide a market for weavers.
To underline the importance of this role, Linda just received a plea from Lorraine Benally to try to help her sell her rug in order to provide food for her eleven children. Lorraine had been unsuccessful in finding a trader to take her rug since the market is soft in these uncertain economic times and traders aren't buying many rugs.
Lorraine is a younger weaver whose mother, Annie Bedonie, is an Elder in our program. Lorraine lives in Rough Rock, Arizona, which is about 30 miles from the site of the Many Farms food run.
Her rug measures 20" x 24", and she would like $300 for it. If you would like to help Lorraine and acquire a beautiful rug at the same time, visit the catalog listing 6904.
See this 2010 post for more information about the rug catalog.
Notes: Every effort has been made to photograph and present the rugs with as accurate rendition of color as possible. It's not possible, however, to be certain that your computer won't show some variance. Where two prices are listed in the catalog, the higher represents what the weaver hopes to receive and the lower, the minimum she will accept. As has always been the case at ANE all the proceeds of every rug sale go entirely to the weaver. Prices are set by the weaver, and since there is no "middleman" they are typically very reasonable.
Beautiful rug. Lovely design. I wish everyone could own one of these amazing Navajo rugs. They liven up a home and the fact they are handmade in a mostly unhandmade item world, is a reason to have one of these treasures.
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