Navajo Rug
Boutique Dress
Similarities: To begin, the geometric patterns are much alike, utilizing diamonds, squares, and the repetition of these shapes. Along with this, although the background colors differ in each piece, the color schemes are similar. Burn oranges, reds, and blues are prevalent.
Differences: This post is unique in that it doesn't compare to articles of clothing, rather it compares the patterns. The most important difference to consider is production time and quality. The rug would have taken countless man hours and skill to produce, while the Boutique dress was mass-produced and not made to last more than a few years.
Background info: According to navajopeople.org, a cultural website run by the Navajo, an ancient legend credits a goddess named Spider Woman for teaching humans about weaving. The rug, or blanket, featured in this post is called a "Mexican Saltillo Serape" design. Navajo women captured by Mexicans used their dyes and techniques to create these vibrant blankets.
Questions to consider:
1. Is it disrespectful to use ancient Native American patterns for everyday clothing?
2. In terms of culture, what inferences would you make about the type of person wearing the dress vs. someone who has the rug hanging on their wall as a decoration?
Age 18 Male
ReplyDelete1. I do not think it is disrespectful.
2. This style is "in" so she is very fashionable person whereas someone who hangs the rug on the wall is most likely a Native American or someone who values their culture.
Age: 18
ReplyDeleteGender: female
Comment:
1. I do not find this disrespectful at all. If anything it is honoring Native Americans for their artistic abilities.
2. I would go out and buy a similar dress after seeing one like this because I would view the person wearing the dress as trendy. I would infer that someone who hangs a rug on their wall as very in touch with their ancestral roots.