"The significance of Navajo and Pueblo textiles transcends simple artistic expression. Through the spiritual activity of weaving, male and female weavers beautify their world and integrate their art into the "web of life." Both the Navajo and Pueblo believe that the culture hero Spider Woman has taught them to create with patience, understanding, and sensitivity.

Yet over the centuries, Navajo and Pueblo textiles have developed along distinct paths that reflect the unique historical and individual experiences within each culture. The textiles collection of the Southwest Museum illustrates the rich interplay between these two peoples and their art.".

"Southwest Textiles tells the story of the history and evolution of Navajo and Pueblo fabric arts. Over 250 outstanding examples from the Southwest Museum's collection are reproduced in full color, along with 57 details of these works and 49 historical photographs. Also included are absorbing accounts of the early collectors of these superb textiles and of some of the colorful individuals who were instrumental in founding the Southwest Museum and shaping its collections.".

"An accompanying CD-ROM includes comprehensive charts of the fiber and construction analysis performed on each of the textiles illustrated in the book. The charts are prefaced by an overview of the analysis. Also on the CD is a complete inventory of the museum's southwestern textiles collection."--BOOK JACKET.