Daisy Taugelchee, 1911-1990
by Legendary Master Weaver Daisy Taugelchee
Daisy Taugelchee (1911-1990) is the most celebrated Navajo weaver ever. She is one of only two Legendary Master Weavers identified in Mark Winter’s, “The Master Weavers.” The US Post Office honored her in 2004 with a stamp bearing the image of one of her rugs, a spectacular 3 column. Daisy blitzed through the Gallup Ceremonials winning First Place for over twenty years before the Judges created a separate category for her finer Navajo Tapestry to encourage dispirited weavers to return to the Ceremonial in hopes of winning First Place in the Navajo Rug category. Daisy’s superlatives are well documented in “The Master Weavers.”
This piece measures 51" x 69”, c. 1932.
The execution of the design elements in this piece presents Daisy’s mastery of weaving. The preparation of the wool is exquisite, yielding a supple hand to the textile. It was woven and used as a rug for a while but is still in excellent condition.
This is a 3 Column layout that comes from Daisy's Bear Clan upbringing. She was raised with several early Master Weavers, Mrs.Policeboy, Mary Yanabah Curley and was raised by Sage Brush Hill Woman. Daisy was imprinted by some of the early design pioneers of Navajo rug weaving and the seeds fell on fertile soil!
This weaving is a worthy example of her early work and silently sings of greatness.