Navajo rugs, blankets and weavings
Navajo Nation

Navajo legend tells us that the Dineh had to pass through three different worlds before emerging into the present world - the Fourth World or Glittering World. So, the Holy People put four sacred mountains in four different directions. Mt. Blanca in the east. Mt. Taylor in the south, San Francisco Peaks in the west, and Mt. Hesperus in the north, thus creating the boundaries of Navajoland. Centuries ago, the Navajo people were taught by the Holy People to live in harmony with Mother Earth and how to conduct their many activities of everyday life. The Dineh believe there are two classes of beings: the Earth People and the Holy People. The earth People are ordinary mortals, while the Holy People are spiritual beings that cannot be seen. Holy People are believed to aid or harm Earth People.

When disorder evolves in a Navajo's life, such as illness, herbs, medicinemen (diagnosticians), prayers, songs and ceremonies are used to help cure the ailment. Some tribal members prefer modern day hospitals on the Navajo Reservation; some seek the assistance of a traditional Navajo medicineman, some combine both methods. Navajos believe that a medicineman is a uniquely qualified individual bestowed with supernatural powers to diagnose a person's problem and to heal or cure illnesses. The Dineh believe they are sustained as a nation because of their enduring faith in the Great Spirit. And because of their strong spirituality, the Navajo people believe they will continue to survive as an Indian nation forever.

Outsiders do not perceive Navajoland as the Navajo, as the sacred homeland created for the Dineh. This strong spiritual belief in the land requires that Mother Earth be treated with the deepest respect. The arid-looking surface of Navajoland belies what lies underneath a world of hidden treasures...tons of oil, gas, coal and uranium...waiting to be tapped. In 1987 alone, some $43 million was poured into the Navajo Nation's coffers from mineral royalty payments. Coal alone contributed $28 million to the tribal treasury. Minerals excavated from Navajoland not only benefit the Navajo Nation, but also provide various forms of energy to millions of people throughout the United States.

With a burgeoning population, the Navajo Nation has found it necessary to increase its landbase substantially over the past several years. Some 17.5 million acres have been added to tribal lands. And there are plans to increase this base even more.

In addition to its mineral resources, the Navajo Reservation embodies some of the most awesome and spectacular scenery in the world. More than 15 national monuments, tribal parks, and historic sites are found within its vastness.

For avid water sports enthusiasts, Navajoland encompasses a dozen different fishing lakes and ponds, scattered throughout the sprawling 26,000 square-mile reservation. Lake Powell alone - boast some 186 miles of water front and 2,000 miles of shoreline - more than the entire West Coast!

The stark and incredible beauty of the Navajo Reservation - spilling over into the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah - is an irresistible magnet to film and television producers from all over the world. Canyon de Chelly National Park, Monument Valley, Tribal Park, the Little Colorado River and Rainbow Bridge National Monument, are only a few of the sites that have been immortalized on the silver screen.

Frequently visited attractions include Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Navajo National Monument, Window Rock, Four Corners Monument, Petrified Forest National Park and the Bistri Badlands.

Navajo rugs, their unique silversmithing, and distinctive baskets are recognized throughout the world. Everyone loves Indian art - particularly Navajo art. Yet most guests visiting the Navajo Nation are not aware of the history or significance of most artwork to the Navajo people. Nor do most guests understand what constitutes "authentic" Navajo crafts.

• Navajo history
• Canyon de Chelly
• Chaco Culture
• Monument Valley

Taos Trading Post is an online store, offering a tasteful variety of authentic Native American Indian rugs. We have been buying rugs for over 20 years, are family owned and operated, and committed to providing our customers with quality rugs, coupled with unsurpassed service. Our store sells only those weavings that meet our superior standards; and will therefore provide you, the customer, with years of pleasure. We stock a choice selection of contemporary Native American rugs, including Navajo, Mexican Zapotec and Indian rugs. We offer an attractive selection of authentic hand spun Navajo wool rugs in regional rug styles, including the popular Ganado, Storm, Two Grey Hills, and Teec Nos Pos designs, and our pledge of authenticity. Whether you prefer an authentic Navajo weaving or replica, our Southwest rugs will introduce the Native American Indian atmosphere to your home. Navajo, Indian, Mexican Zapotec and Southwest rugs, blankets and weavings for sale online.