“The People’s Tapestry: Weaving Tradition in Navajo Culture” features contributions from a number of personal collections located around the Four Corners region.

The Moab Museum is honored to present a new temporary exhibition, The People’s Tapestry: Weaving Tradition in Navajo Culture, a celebration of the magnificent weavings created by the Diné (which means “the people” in Navajo). Diné textiles reflect the concept of hózhóó, or balance and harmony, which is reflected in the primarily symmetrical designs. Balance and harmony bring beauty and a sense of well-being.

The People’s Tapestry provides a space for storytelling by The People through weaving demonstrations and approximately 100 textiles displayed in the spirit of historic trading posts across the four corners region. Historic photographs highlight weaving scenes from centuries ago, while contemporary images of heritage sheep shearing remind guests of a deeply rooted tradition that thrives still, today. Interpretive text introduces historical events that influenced weaving styles, and the symbolism inherent in their designs. The significance of Diné textiles transcends artistic expression; weavers beautify their world through the spiritual act of weaving and integrate their art into the web of everyday life. The Navajo weaver’s song declares, “With beauty, it is woven.” We hope that the spirit and aesthetic of these powerful pieces will inspire you to experience the land and the tradition of the Diné beyond the walls of the Moab Museum. The exhibition will be on display at the Moab Museum through the winter of 2023.

August Textile Programs
Sam Cunningham, owner of Cunnington Farms in Spanish Valley, which is home to a number of heritage sheep breeds including the Navajo Churro, will be giving a presentation titled “The Legacy of Joe Ben Wheat: Internationally Renowned Archaeologist and Expert on Southwestern Textiles” at 6 pm on Thursday, August 17th at the Moab Museum. This presentation serves as an opportunity to learn about the Navajo Churro sheep wool and its importance to Navajo weaving.

Bates Wilson, Superintendent of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, stands in front of a National Park Service map – the focus of the third Rangers at the Museum program in August.

Master weavers Maxine Nez and her father, Joe Lee Benally, will be at the Moab Museum on Friday and Saturday, August 25th and 26th for weaving demonstrations in the South Gallery. Nez, whose family centers around Chinle, Arizona, comes from a tradition of weavers. Nez loves to experiment with any kind of art and/or craft and has made lovely Christmas pins with basketry detail, many original fiber products, and now Nez has perfected a new type of Navajo rug with old roots, the Churro Wool Tufted Navajo Rug. Stop by to see her weaving progress and hear her speak to the significance of the art form.

Rangers at the Museum: National Park Service | Moab Museum
Join National Park Service Rangers for several FREE public presentations throughout the summer at the Moab Museum. On Tuesday, August 15 at 2 pm, Ranger Robert Anderson presents “Founding Fathers: The Political Establishment of Canyonlands National Park.” Come learn what the Atomic Energy Commission, a leathery cowboy, and a slick DC politician had in common in the creation of Canyonlands National Park. And on Thursday, August 24 at 2 pm, Ranger Ash Hightower presents “Leaving a Mark,” a discussion on historic rock inscriptions, modern graffiti, and where they intersect, as humans continue to leave their mark in the places they visit.

Red Cliffs Lodge, on the banks of the mighty Colorado River, is home to the Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage. The lodge is built on the old George White Ranch, a key location for nine of the big westerns including Rio Grande, Cheyenne Autumn, Ten Who Dared, The Commancheros, and Rio Conchos.

The late George White was founder of the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission, the longest ongoing film commission in the world.

In the museum one can learn more about film locations, how the sets are built, and how the filming process is managed on nature’s own sound stage. On display in the museum are production photographs, movie posters, autographed scripts, props from the many pictures filmed in the area, and displays about the western ranching heritage. For information, call Red Cliffs Lodge at 435-259-2002.

Through the magnificent landscapes of southeastern Utah, writers have been inspired and stories born here. Zane Grey, the famous western novelist, traveled through the area in 1912. His visit inspired him to write his book Riders of the Purple Sage. The book was made into a movie starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan, and filmed on locations around Moab.