Exclusive Spring Collection 2026
Rooted in generations of Navajo (Diné) weaving tradition, Gloria Fain and Mary Henderson Begay represent a powerful lineage of mastery artistry shaped by skill, sacrifice, and cultural preservation.
“My work is dedicated to the ancestors for making the sacrifice in preserving and teaching their offspring.”
Gloria Fain comes from a prolific line of Master Weavers.
Fain grew up near Ganado Mesa, in Snakeflat. Her family’s clan is Coyote Pass-Jemez Pueblo, and her passion for weaving started early when she was taught by her mother and grandmother to weave at 3 years old. Growing up, Fain watched her family sheering sheep, cleaning the fleece, carting, hand spinning and vegetable-dyeing wool.
Gloria has developed her own unique style in her weavings which are still of Navajo patterns, but with a contemporary and sometimes abstract approach.
“With such amazing roots, it is only necessary to continue my family legacy as I am armed with exceptional skills from two of the best instructors, mentors of the Navajo Nation.”
Gloria has developed her own unique style in her weavings which are still of Navajo patterns, however they are more contemporary and sometimes abstract. “I’m fond of working with vegetal dyed yarn as well as bright colors such as cochineal red and indigo blue. My other favorites are prickly pear and pomegranate organic dye. I like to push traditional boundaries, however, always getting confirmation from the family for approval while staying within the limits of respecting myself and Navajo culture and religion. Through this evolution, I was able to create my own contemporary style,”says Fain.
She learned her skills from her mother, Master Artist Grace Henderson Nez, born in 1913, a woman that worked relentless hours and years developing and perfecting her weaving craft. It is no wonder that Grace is the recipient of the 2005 National Endowment of the Arts Award and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Heard Museum.
Gloria’s mother is Navajo Master Weaver Mary Henderson Begay. Mary is the recipient of the Living Legend Award 2018, Arizona Governors Award. Mary worked for over forty years at Hubbell Trading Post, National Historic Site in Ganado, Arizona. She retired in 2005. Mary was commissioned by the Gloria F. Ross Tapestries for several weavings designed by Kenneth Noland.
Explore more Native American designs
Native artwork from one of Mike Dangeli's drum designs is now available on a durable 6ft rug called “Raven”. Mike's original design incorporates a modern twist to typical traditional Northwest Coast style.
Need some ART for your space? This is it! Native American Artist Randy L Barton’s design makes this one POP! Let this RED bring your space to life!
American Dakota Rugs are made in the USA on American machines. American Dakota uses dyes to achieve their vibrant colors. Many of their colors are inspired by the plant and mineral dyes found in the Southwest. Their yarns are made from premium nylon, the same yard systems found in airport carpet. The rugs surpass a commercial-grade rating, meaning they can withstand generations of wear.
Designed by Native American artist Steven Paul Judd, this design incorporates retro 8-bit aesthetics and is based on Judd's work “Invaders”.
American Dakota splits profits 50/50 with each of our Native artist partners.
This partnership allows weavers who may live in remote areas to create streams of income. It warms our hearts knowing that we can support Indigenous artists through continuous passive income from an original design.
Each rug design is made with care—commonly 6 months to weave—then reinterpreted with permission as a machine-made rug. Through our partnership, artists make income long after the original rug is sold.
With every purchase, you support generational heritage and artists.