Weaving the Dance: Navajo Yeibichai Textiles (1910-1950) by Rebecca M. Valette and Jean-Paul Valette, Book, copyright 2000

Weaving the Dance: Navajo Yeibichai Textiles (1910–1950) by Rebecca M. Valette and Jean-Paul Valette is one of the most important studies devoted to Navajo Yeibichai weavings and ceremonial imagery. Published by Adobe Gallery, a leading authority on Native American art and textiles, this richly illustrated volume examines a distinctive category of Navajo weaving that depicts the sacred Yeibichai dancers associated with Navajo healing ceremonies and spiritual traditions.

Drawing upon museum collections, private collections, trading-post history, and extensive research, the authors explore the development of Yeibichai rug designs during a period of significant artistic innovation between 1910 and 1950. The book documents how Navajo weavers translated ceremonial imagery into woven form while creating some of the most visually compelling and culturally significant textiles in the history of Navajo weaving.

Featuring exceptional color photography and detailed analysis, the publication examines design evolution, symbolism, weaving techniques, regional influences, and collecting history. The authors provide valuable insight into the relationship between Navajo ceremonial traditions and artistic expression, making the volume useful to collectors, scholars, dealers, and museums alike.

Beautifully produced and extensively researched, Weaving the Dance remains one of the definitive references on Yeibichai rugs and pictorial Navajo weaving. It is an essential resource for collectors of Navajo textiles, Native American art, Southwestern material culture, and historic American weaving traditions.

Authors: Rebecca M. Valette and Jean-Paul Valette
Publisher: Adobe Gallery
Copyright: 2000
Format: Softcover
Subject: Navajo Textiles, Yeibichai Rugs, Native American Art, Southwestern Weaving
Illustrations: Extensive full-color photography throughout