Navajo - fancy shawl or traditional?

[redtail]

OK, I need some help on this one. My guy's daughter is graduating from college in May.

I would like to make her regalia or at least a shawl and mocs, for graduation gift.
She is part Navajo being raised by her mother who is non-Indian but is being pulled spiritually to the Navajo.
She is planning to come to NM this summmer to say a few months ( maybe longer) to learn Navajo culture, traditions, ect...and I would like to make her shawl in respect to the Navajo culture.

I would be blessed if the Dine women out there could give me ideas to what patterns, colors, adorments this regalia or shawl should have or should not have on it.

Whether they think fancy shawl or traditional would be best or just a shawl and mocs. I am thinkin the shawl and mocs...

[kiyaanii mom]

hummmmmm

Do you not have any pictures for traditional Navajo Clothes? Navajo traditional clothes do not have fancy shawls. So if anything I would call their clothes traditional. If you are going to make these items then you should really do some research on NAVAJO clothes. Clothes you see ndns wear at powwows are not Navajo. Navajo women have 2 types of traditional clothes; the very old truly traditional dress, rug dress and the more modern style velveteen or satin style, skirt and blouse.

Go to The Navajo Nation - Home Page. I think there is a link to the Miss Navajo page. You can see a picture of traditional clothes women wear. Just run a search on Navajo Clothes and see what you get.

If you want to get a shawl, then the kind of shawls Navajo Woman use and value are wool Pendleton shawls. The ones with fringe. I think they have a website.

You can also buy Traditional Navajo Moccasins. You can check for online Indian arts stores in the Gallup New Mexico area.

[New2itall]

Do you not have any pictures for traditional Navajo Clothes? Navajo traditional clothes do not have fancy shawls. So if anything I would call their clothes traditional. If you are going to make these items then you should really do some research on NAVAJO clothes. Clothes you see ndns wear at powwows are not Navajo. Navajo women have 2 types of traditional clothes; the very old truly traditional dress, rug dress and the more modern style velveteen or satin style, skirt and blouse.

Go to The Navajo Nation - Home Page. I think there is a link to the Miss Navajo page. You can see a picture of traditional clothes women wear. Just run a search on Navajo Clothes and see what you get.

If you want to get a shawl, then the kind of shawls Navajo Woman use and value are wool Pendleton shawls. The ones with fringe. I think they have a website.

You can also buy Traditional Navajo Moccasins. You can check for online Indian arts stores in the Gallup New Mexico area.

What a lovely web site! I couldn't access the Miss Navajo section, I think because all the snowflakes.

[kiyaanii mom]

I just checked it out...Looks like the Miss Navajo Website is down. They are probably updating it...

But all those icons on the right and left are links to different departments. There is even a like to Navajo Arts and Crafts!!!

[redtail]

Do you not have any pictures for traditional Navajo Clothes? Navajo traditional clothes do not have fancy shawls. So if anything I would call their clothes traditional. If you are going to make these items then you should really do some research on NAVAJO clothes. Clothes you see ndns wear at powwows are not Navajo. Navajo women have 2 types of traditional clothes; the very old truly traditional dress, rug dress and the more modern style velveteen or satin style, skirt and blouse.

Go to The Navajo Nation - Home Page. I think there is a link to the Miss Navajo page. You can see a picture of traditional clothes women wear. Just run a search on Navajo Clothes and see what you get.

If you want to get a shawl, then the kind of shawls Navajo Woman use and value are wool Pendleton shawls. The ones with fringe. I think they have a website.

You can also buy Traditional Navajo Moccasins. You can check for online Indian arts stores in the Gallup New Mexico area.

Yeah I was thinknin bout gettin her Navajo mocs...
as far as fancy shawl stuff, I know its not traditonal Navajo but wasn't real sure if she was wantin to dance or not at powwows.

But even if she will want to I think gettin her somethin more traditional is better. I would rather make her somethin traditional makin it more personable and special..aside from the mocs.

How bout any other suggestions that I could make that would still be traditional Navajo for a young woman college graduation present??

BTW kiyaanii mom...thanx for the website!

[injunboy]

i wish you guys knew a navajo mother. shed say the most correct thing to do is have a blessing way ceremony for the navajo gurl.

at graduations navajo womens tie their long hair. i think it looks verrry nice the cap still fits and under their gown a nice rug dress is a must. the hair tie isnt very involved and fairly esy to do. the rug dress usually requires measurements and somebody to weave it. that part takes time.

theres alot of things involved namely silver jewelry which is never cheap. so i dont know how much u wanna bankroll.

aunts and grandmothers generally lend their *stuff* to wear but losing, damaging can ruin a relationship haha soo understated.. for the ceremony try and find a generous fam member cause they dont get their stuff back.. haha good lck

[tayoonee]

Yep, those are the two types of clothing for dine'...velveteen skirt and shirt...mocs..squash blossom...sash...hair tied in a bun..unfortunately it has to be tight...(my eyes have gone slantly because of it) hahah kidding.
I prefer the rug dress but ...its just too dang heavy and hot..soo if she's coming during the summer..velveteen...and if she'll be here in the winter..rug dress.

Feed her lots of frybread

[nessadawn25]

Well if I remember correctly....when I graduated from HS (let's not mention dates, lol) I was suprised with this beautiful squash blossom set (earrings and matching bracelets) from my Nali (paternal grandmother) and a beautiful pink pendleton. I still have both and treasure them deeply!