Toadlena Trading Post

Mark Winter's book, Eye on the Storm, details the history, symbolism and art of the Navajo Storm rug. The Storm pattern appears in J. B. Moore's catalog in 1911 in two forms and became one of the templates for countless rugs thereafter.

The Master Weavers details many of the best textiles, their weavers and families of the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills region since its beginnings in the early 20th century. It is 608 pages, contains 250 color plates, over 450 historic and contemporary photographs and 23 extensive genealogies of 87 Master Weavers including 2 Legendary Master Weavers, Daisy Taugelchee and Bessie Manygoats.

Published in 2011, The Master Weavers is now a standard for excellence in research of Navajo weavings and culture.

A must-have for every weaving library is Saddle Up! by Mark Winter. This new and exciting publication features Navajo Fancy and Sunday saddle blankets from the 1860’s to 2011, representing six to eight generations of weaving creativity. Included are over 100 color plates and insightful text. Accompanying the book is Saddle Up! Side Kick, a flipbook of the color plates included in the main book. The pair sells for $48 plus shipping.
Most of the saddle blankets in the book are on display at the Toadlena Trading Post Weaving Museum. Come see the exhibition after enjoying the Saddle Up! catalog.

This rug measures 23" x 45" by Master Weaver Marie Lapahie. She frequently weaves more expensive tapestries so the piece offers a good opportunity to acquire one of Marie's fine weavings a price lower than that of a tapestry.

This sandpainting rug measures 60" x 61", all natural, hand-spun yarn by Master Weaver Mary Ann Foster.

Master Weaver Mary Ann Foster belongs in the elite group of Navajo sandpainting weavers. This includes Haastin Klah, Gladys Manuelito (Mrs. Sam), Mrs. King Tut and more.

Mary Ann has faithfully rendered traditional Navajo sandpainting images and her own creations. This creation by Mary Ann features a central corn stalk, the Navajo Tree of Life, flanked by two Humpback Fringe Mouth Yeis. The accoutrements and other elements are common to Navajo sandpaintings. The Toadlena Trading Post always looks forward to pieces by these living treasures.

Mary Ann and her Clan appear in Chapter 5:5, p. 200 of "The Master Weavers."

Several years ago the Post began encouraging the weavers to weave "runners" to supply an under attended demand. It took them a while to accommodate the new configuration. This piece by Daisy Shorty is one of the finest we have seen.

Daisy, her Clan and this specific piece appear in Chapter 5:19, p. 478. This runner is on p. 493, Plate 218.

This rug measures 24" x 75".

The Toadlena Post has encouraged the weavers to produce runners. The long, skinny configuration was a challenge for some for a while. Here is evidence that Barbara has adapted very well!

This piece measures 26" x 30", hand-spun yarn, 6 colors, natural white and brown, all other colors are hand-dyed aniline, c. 1980's, excellent condition.

Master Weaver Ruby Manuelito was the daughter of Master Weaver Frances Manuelito and the granddaughter of Master Weaver Blind Man's Wife. Blind Man's Wife was a true pioneer in the evolving designs of early, regional Navajo rugs. Thus, were Ruby's feet placed on her own artistic journey by these earliest influences. Ruby married Ira Manuelito and became the daughter-in-law of Gladys Manuelito, "Mrs. Sam", the niece of Hastiin Klah. Klah was the first Navajo Medicine Man to render a Sandpainting image in a permanent form, woven wool. She learned the Sandpainting images forms from Gladys as Gladys learned them from Klah, putting her very near the epicenter of Sandpainting weaving.

This piece bears images of the Navajo Holy People from the same Nightway Chant image woven by Ruby that appears on p. 228, Plate 71 of "The Master Weavers" by Mark Winter. It has 68-74 wefts per inch and 14 warps per inch.

Ruby's finely woven sandpainting are difficult to find and highly prized. We hope you enjoy this treasured piece of Navajo mythology as much as we do!

This rug measures 32" x 46". It was woven by Master Weaver Emily Watchman. Emily is a member of 3 generations of Master Weavers who include her Mother, Evelyn George, her sister, Dorothy Lowe and her daughter, Stacy Watchman.

This rug displays her Mother's gold and gray wool and bears similarities to her Mother's style. It is a real joy to see new work from The Master Weavers!

Woven by Master Weaver Nora Manygoats, Hooghan lani clan of Little Water, who is the niece of legendary Master Weaver Bessie Manygoats. It is a good-sized masterpiece textile with nine shades of handspun wool yarn from her fine flock of sheep, done in the light tones typical of the families work.