This research investigates the role of a community of practice and its importance to the transmission of learned technological styles as reflected in Navajo textiles. How is traditional weaving knowledge manifested in technological style attributes and how do designs remain preserved By analyzing textiles produced by six Navajo weaving families, I investigate the different technological styles associated with Navajo textile production, as well as the learning networks that govern both the intergenerational and non-intergenerational transmission of weaving knowledge within families. I expand on the importance of understanding how technological styles can potentially act as identification markers in cultural material and argue that if technological variation is present, there are specific stylistic attributes rooted in Navajo culture that can identify a textile as Navajo. Together the results of this study provide insights into the traditional learning practices and social networks that preserve technical knowledge and keep Navajo weaving traditions alive.

这项研究调查了实践社区的作用及其在纳瓦霍纺织品中反映的学习技术风格传播的重要性。传统编织知识如何体现在技术风格属性中以及如何保留设计通过分析六个纳瓦霍编织家族生产的纺织品，我调查了与纳瓦霍纺织品生产相关的不同技术风格，以及管理代际和家庭内部编织知识的非代际传递。我扩展了理解技术风格如何潜在地作为文化材料中的识别标记的重要性，并认为如果存在技术变异，根植于纳瓦霍文化的特定风格属性可以将纺织品识别为纳瓦霍。这项研究的结果共同提供了对保存技术知识和保持纳瓦霍编织传统活力的传统学习实践和社交网络的见解。