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The Holy People -
Spider Man & Spider Woman

There is a spire-like rock formation in Canyon de Chelley near Chinle, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation that is named "Spider Rock". A plaque at the view point tells of the traditional legend of Spider Rock and the beginning of weaving among the Navajo people.

"First Man and First Woman were taught how to weave by two of the Holy People. Spider Man told them how to make a loom and Spider Woman told how to weave on it.

The loom's crosspoles were made of sky and earth cords, the warp sticks of the sun rays, the healds of rock crystal and sheet lightening, the batten of sun's halo, and the comb of white shell.

The four spindles were made of zigzag lightning with a cannel coal whorl, flash lightening with a turquoise whorl, sheet lightning with an abalone whorl, and a rain streamer with a white shell whorl."

About Navajo Rugs

Navajo rugs are some of the most valued and sought after pieces of southwestern art. The Navajo began this type of weaving approximately two or three centuries ago.

Currently, rug weaving is going through another creative resurgence. New designs and scenes of great beauty are regularly being introduced. We have selected three examples of Navajo weaving.

As each rug is a unique piece of art, only the first order for each rug is accepted. We will mail or e-mail pictures of other rugs in stock upon request.

Common Navajo Rug Styles

Rug Care & Cleaning Tips

• Never shake to clean (as a whipping action), wash, steam clean or iron a Navajo rug. Instead you can lightly vacuum after placing a piece of gauze over the nozzle to reduce suction power. Dry clean only in an emergency.

• Avoid direct sunlight as it will quickly fade the color and could structurally damage the rug fibers. To ensure uniform fading, rotate and turn the rug occasionally. Check for moths, crickets or carpet beetles regularly, vacuuming can help reduce this risk.

• If you store your rug instead of hanging it, be sure to roll it rather than fold it. Roll in the direction of the warp threads and acid free tissue paper or unbleached muslin should be used in the rolling process.

The Gathering Place
P.O. Box 838 - 23 First Street
Thoreau, New Mexico 87323
(505) 862-8075 or (800) 862-5763
Fax: (505) 862-8809
dineh838@yahoo.com

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