March 24, 2005. Timely through June 1, 2005.
For more information, call 1-800-422-8975, ext. 130. Media photo provided below.

Cortez, Colorado
Rich in history and steeped in tradition, the world of Navajo basket weaving transcends centuries of time and generations of people. Every aspect—the colors, the weaving, and the design—of the basket reflects something in the artist's world. Put your talent to work this summer and join Crow Canyon Archaeological Center for a fascinating exploration into the world of Woven Containers: A Navajo Basket-Weaving Workshop.

Beginning on Sunday, July 24, and ending on Saturday, July 30, 2005, this hands-on workshop in traditional Navajo split-willow basket weaving will take participants through each step in the process of making their own Navajo wedding-style baskets.

Just as the legends and origins of the Diné (the Navajo people) are intricately woven into their stories and thoughts, they are also often woven into their baskets. Each ceremonial basket has its own unique story and song, and the weaver must observe strict tribal taboos that dictate how and when baskets can be woven.

During this hands-on exploration, participants will see how sumac grows in its natural habitat and how the young sumac stalks are harvested and prepared for weaving. Although the sumac for this workshop will have already been harvested, attendees will learn how to dye their materials. When this step is completed, the weaving process begins.

Guided by accomplished weavers Lorraine and Sally Black, each person will complete a Navajo wedding-style basket. By coiling and binding layers of unsplit willow rods and interweaving sumac strips, the artist sometimes follows a design she has envisioned before she begins. At other times the weaver creates the design and chooses the colors as she weaves the basket.

Born and raised on the eastern edge of Monument Valley, Utah, Lorraine and Sally Black are the daughters of weaver Mary Holiday Black. Considered by many to be the family responsible for the revival of Navajo basketry in recent years, they both grew up weaving baskets, a long-standing tradition in their family. The two sisters have transcended traditional designs with exciting new designs and colors. Lorraine and Sally are recognized for their outstanding pictorial baskets and are recipients of awards from several Native American art shows including the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market and the internationally known Gallup Ceremonial. Their distinctive original designs and their extraordinary skills have elevated basket weaving to new artistic heights.

Visits to the Anasazi Heritage Center, the La Plata Mountains, Twin Rocks Trading Post in Utah, and Monument Valley on the Navajo Reservation are all included. Round out the week by enjoying a traditional Navajo meal, as a special guest of Mary Holiday Black, who has received the National Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts for her efforts in the preservation and renaissance of basketry.

A relaxing and educational week, the cost for this exploration is $1,295 based on shared accommodations. The price includes Crow Canyon tuition, all meals, lodging, and local transportation. Lodging is on the Crow Canyon campus in Navajo-style hogans.

Crow Canyon is a not-for-profit organization offering excavation, workshop, and travel programs in the greater Southwest and throughout the world. To register for a program or for more information, phone 800-422-8975, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. mountain time.

The photo below may be used by the media to accompany this press release. No other use is authorized. Photographer credit and copyright notice is required.

Beautiful Navajo baskets. Photo by Ginnie Dunlop. Copyright © 2004 Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.