THE NOMADIC PEOPLES. 1 T)? 



is usually synunetrical, hut both th(» completed pattern 

 and the indi\idual designs lack the exactness of ma- 

 chine work. 



The more conmion designs are squares, parallelo- 

 grams, diamonds, and triangles. Diamonds are often 

 formed by intersecting diagonal lines which run across 

 the blanket, half diamonds resulting at the sides. The 

 outlines of the figures in many cases are broken with 

 right angles, that is, made to consist of a series of steps. 

 These designs have Navajo names descriptive of them, 

 such as '^ sling" for the elongated diamond, ''three 

 points" for the triangle. The ordinary diamond is 

 called ''star large," by which the morningstar is meant. 

 This and the zigzag line representing lightning and 

 triangular masses called clouds have more or less 

 religious connotation and may be symbolic in their 

 intention. The swastika, which is now often seen on 

 blankets, has recently been introduced in response to 

 the commercial demand for it. 



It is proper to suppose that the Navajo who formerly 

 did not w^eave learned the art from their Pueblo neigh- 

 bors who are known to have practised it in prehistoric 

 times. They seem to have taken over the loom and the 

 general methods of preparing the yarn and w^eaving it. 

 The practice of making designs in colors which do not 

 cross the entire width of the blanket seems to have 

 originated with the Navajo. The Hopi robes have 

 stripes running entirely across them; but the skirts of 

 the w^omen and the shirts of the men have the designs 

 added by embroidery after the blanket is woven. The 



