19th Century Navajo History Experienced In Textiles At Exhibit

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — More than 80 vibrant textiles created by the Navajo after their enslavement in the 19th century are on display in "Color Riot! How Color Changed Navajo Textiles" exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete.

Striking colors and designs in the textiles created messages of hope following their dark times. The pieces are deeply rooted in the transition from the Navajo's appalling imprisonment (1863-1868) to their life on the reservation. Starvation, disease, death and deprivation consumed every day for the Navajo at Bosque Redondo.

The Navajo tradition of weaving was essential during both the Long Walk and internment at Bosque Redondo, the Smithsonian reported. As explained by Navajo tribal member Ezekiel Argeanas “Their women’s knowledge of weaving and the Churro sheep at Bosque Redondo played an important role in our ancestors surviving during a time that was such a tragedy.”

The names of the Navajo weavers who created such beautiful, handcrafted works will never be known. There are no records left behind identifying who contributed to each piece, according to Stephanie Chill, the curatorial lead for the exhibit at the MFA.

Pillow covers, saddle throws and chief blankets that were well-preserved line the walls of the museum. Some of the textiles are so brilliantly woven it resembles graphic design. The size and design of the pieces determined how the length of time until completion, which could be months to years. Weavers followed patterns from the creation in their memory.

The textiles transition from the 19th and 20th century to modern times with works displayed by 10 contemporary Navajo artists. One of the contemporary pieces created by Navajo artist and co-curator Velma Kee Craig has a QR code woven into the blanket. You can scan the code with your phone and it will take you to a website.

"During the Transitional Period, from 1875 to 1910, and primarily in the face of concurrent assimilationist policies, Navajo weavers were experimenting wildly and without reserve," co-curator Ninabah Winton said.

Color Riot! is on display until March 14.

Admission tickets must be reserved online for timed entry in accordance with the museum's COVID-19 safety measures.