Cultural Influences on Textiles: North America

A long tradition joins Native American and European aspects of textile design and technique in the southwestern United States.

Navajo weaving, blankets and rugs made by the Navajo and thought to be some of the most colourful and best-made textiles produced by North American Indians.

The Navajo Indians of the southwestern United States have been weaving blankets for hundreds of years. Originally, their primary goal was to make something that would keep them warm. In time, however, people began to appreciate the blankets for their beauty. Suli Yi of VOA's Mandarin Service traveled to Navajo country to learn about the Navajo weavers and their art

The clothing of Native Americans was closely related to the environment in which they lived and their religious beliefs. Ranging from tropical and desert regions, to woodlands and mountains, to Arctic tundra, Native Americans developed diverse styles of clothing.

Canada has a rich history of weaving stretching back to the precontact Indigenous peoples and enriched by each succeeding wave of immigrants.