People of the Legends
Indigenous People of North America - Navajo
Life at Home - Clothes
Before European arrived, Navajo men wore leggings and breechcloths, and women wore leggings with animal skin skirts. They both wore skin or fur blankets or ponchos, and moccasins made from animal skin with braided yucca soles.
Clothes became more colourful when people learned to tan (treat) animal skins and spin and weave wool. Men wore knee-length buckskin pants with brass and silver buttons, and dyed wool leggings. Women wore wool dresses and leggings made from strips of dyed buckskin.
Both men and women wore leather moccasins or boots, sash belts and silver jewellery.
Their cloaks, shawls and ponchos were woven in the traditional colours and patterns we know today.
Later women traded animal skins and blankets with the settlers for velvet or cotton cloth, and made long full skirts.
With these they wore short or knee-high moccasins, a blouse with long sleeves, a concha or silver belt, jewellery and a shawl.
Women who had babies carried them on their backs in decorated cradle boards.
Today many Navajo wear modern clothes and traditional dress for ceremonies.
For women this is often a tiered skirt, woven sash and a velveteen or cotton blouse. Their hair may be pulled back into a bun, bound in yarn and silver and turquoise jewellery is important.
Traditional dress varies for men now. They may wear a velveteen pullover, jeans and boots with a silver concha belt or woven sash. They may also wear turquoise or coral necklaces and a headband, plus bracelets or bow guards on their wrists.
Some men might choose a western style shirt, jeans and a belt with a large buckle – and cowboy boots.
Men with long hair may also pull it back into a bun, bound with yarn.
