The author would most probably agree with which one of the following conclusions about the stylistic development of N...

Irina on September 3, 2019

@Julie,

The question asks us which of the following the author is most likely to agree with regard to stylistic development of Navajo weaving. The author is generally skeptical of Amsden's claim that the bordered style is the result of Angle influence and represents a "radical break with previous styles" (lines 20-21). The author instead argues that no radical revisions in motor habits need to be assumed (33-34), styles progress organically when artists seek out new principles (45-47), and the style has progressed gradually from banded to the bordered style (50-51).

Let's look at the answer choices:

(A) The styles of Navajo weaving changed in response to changes in Navajo motor habits and thought processes.

Incorrect. The author argues that "in the evolution of Navajo weaving..no radical revisions in the way articles are produced need be assumed" contrary to some views that motor habits and thought processes must be revised (lines 29-35)

(B) The zigzag style was the result of stylistic influences from Anglo culture.

Incorrect. The passage only talks about stylistic influence with regard to the diamond and bordered style. We have no information to infer anything about the zigzag style.

(C) Navajo weaving used isolated figures in the beginning but combined naturalistic and abstract designs in later styles.

Incorrect. The author tells us that "traditional designed were continuous and did not use isolated figures" (24-26)

(D) Navajo weaving changed gradually from a style in which the entire surface was covered by horizontal bands to one in which central figures dominated the surface.

Correct. The author argues that the style likely evolved gradually with two other styles between the banded styles and the bordered style (lines 49-51) with bordered style using centrally placed, dominating figures (lines 5-7). The author does not dispute Amsden's description of the style on lines 5-7, only its origins and the extent of Anglo influence.

(E) The styles of Navajo weaving always contained some type of isolated figure.

Incorrect. The author tells us that "traditional designed were continuous and did not use isolated figures" (lines 24-26)

Let me know if you have any further questions.