User:Gracekline/Navajo dolls

Cultural History
Navajo dolls, beyond their aesthetic appeal, serve as cultural artifacts reflecting the Navajo people's adaptation and creativity. In the 1860s, Navajo women innovatively embraced elements from East Coast American fashion, notably by adopting full dress styles seen in society figures such as President Lincoln's wife. They ingeniously used locally available materials, replacing satin with velvet and crafting buttons from coins, showcasing resourcefulness and cultural exchange. This adaptation highlights the dynamic nature of Navajo artistry, where traditional practices blend with external influences, resulting in garments that carry significant cultural identity and are cherished both within and outside the Navajo community.