Monday, August 20, 2007

Princess of Navajo Barbie


In the western United States, a peaceful culture of Native American Indians thrives. Rooted in ancient traditions of respect for the land and nature as well as a powerful spiritual heritage, the tribal people known as the Navajo endure. Many Navajos continue to wear traditional clothing daily, especially for ceremonial or social gatherings.

Dressed as a princess of this proud Navajo Nation, Barbie is wearing traditional dress and authentic jewelry. Her woven shawl features ceremonial colors with symbolic and stylized patters. Her necklace is a strand of turquoise-colored beads with a "squash blossom" pendant. She also wears a "concho" belt, earrings and sunburst broach. Her long printed skirt and dark open-necked shirt are consistent with everyday wear for most Navajo women still today.