Gloria Begay

Gloria C. (Claw) Begay is a talented Navajo weaver and the eldest daughter of the respected Van Winkle family, known for their contributions to contemporary Navajo weaving. Trained by her mother, Nellie Joe, Gloria began weaving in the 1990s and has continued the family tradition with skill and dedication.

She is especially recognized for her knowledge of natural dyeing techniques, using plant-based sources like cochineal, indigo, Navajo tea, rabbit brush, and lichen to create a wide range of colors. Gloria dyes all of her own wool and is considered an expert in this area, her sisters often rely on her to dye wool for their own weaving. She also teaches traditional wool dyeing to others.

Gloria’s weaving often draws on classic Navajo designs, including First and Second Phase Chief Blanket patterns. Her work is sometimes made with handspun Navajo-Churro wool and reflects a strong commitment to traditional methods and aesthetics.

Gloria’s skill allows her to weave nearly any Navajo rug style with exceptional precision and beauty. Whether it’s a Burntwater, Pictorial, or Chief Blanket design, each piece is a stunning, one-of-a-kind textile by one of the finest contemporary Navajo weavers.