Burnham

The most recent regional style continues to develop in the northernmost part of the reservation. Burnham rugs are known for the wool from which the rugs are woven. Burnham rugs are woven from wool from the Churro sheep, the sheep originally brought to the New World by the Spaniards and subsequently lost in the Navajos' displacement and march to Fort Defiance. This wool, reintroduced to this particular area of the reservation through the efforts of professors at Utah State University, is sought after by collectors.

Using natural churro wool, rather than merino wool, creates yarn of very fine ply. This is because the individual fibers of churro wool are very long. Such yarn is necessary for very fine tapestry weaving with thread counts of 120 to 160 per inch. Not only is the craft of weaving expertly executed, but the artistry of the design is wonderful. Patterns range from some similar to Two Grey Hills, to Yeis, to Navajo Gods, to Pictorials.