Navajo Beele Dress

Handwoven Navajo wool beele (biil) dress by Brenda Joshevama, created in the classic long tunic form traditionally worn for ceremonial occasions. Woven on a vertical loom using hand-spun wool in a natural white ground, the dress features striking bordered panels with stepped geometric motifs in burgundy, black, grey, and blue. The symmetrical “Raised Outline’ designs on the chest and lower panel are framed with linear borders and balanced with a deep red “Diamond Twill” patterned band near the hem. Joshevama’s skill in both composition and execution is evident in the crisp pattern transitions and even weave.

This dress was awarded Second Place at the 2025 Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, one of the most prestigious Native art competitions in the country, underscoring both its technical quality and cultural significance. Navajo dresses of this caliber are uncommon on the market and highly sought after by collectors of museum-level textiles.

22” Width, 48” Length (when laid flat)

Can be displayed on a wall or on a mannequin. This listing is for the dress only, the mannequin in the photos is not included.

View the final photo to see how the dress looks when worn with a matching belt. Click here to view the matching Navajo Sash Belt by Brenda Joshevama. The belt and dress are available for purchase separately or together.