Navajo weavers Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-'82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 371-392.

"Navajo Weavers" by Washington Matthews is a scholarly publication produced as part of the Bureau of Ethnology's reports, likely written in the late 19th century. This ethnographic work primarily examines the intricate art of weaving practiced by the Navajo Indians of New Mexico and Arizona, detailing their techniques, materials, and the cultural significance of their craftsmanship. The book offers valuable insights into a traditional craft that showcases the Navajo's unique artistic identity and their interaction with both native and European influences. The contents of "Navajo Weavers" provide a thorough exploration of the weaving process, focusing on the techniques utilized, materials sourced, and the cultural implications of the Navajo blankets and textiles. Matthews describes how Navajo women engage in creating textiles primarily from sheep wool, explaining the spinning and dyeing processes, as well as the looms and tools involved in weaving. He highlights the distinct designs and patterns that characterize Navajo fabrics, emphasizing that each blanket produced is unique, reflecting both individual artistry and the broader cultural heritage of the community. The book serves as an informative account that preserves the knowledge and tradition of Navajo weaving, advocating for its artistic merit and its evolution over time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Washington Matthews was a surgeon in the United States Army, ethnographer, and linguist known for his studies of Native American peoples, especially the Navajo.