8 X 11 Southwest Native American Rugs

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Below is Jennie Slick, master loomer, and a small completed rug. It's obvious that the rug is finished without fringe. Also, the side selvage chord stands out against the dark background wool. This rug shows all the characteristics of a true Navajo rug. The rug is made entirely of wool and includes the warp. There is also a side selvage cord. Finally, the Zapotec rug can be seen at right. The fringe is visible at the bottom. This type of rug is often confused with a Navajo weave. If you don't know the fringe, you will be able to see it. These rugs use hand spun yarns and are hand dyed. They require a lot more skill than Navajo weavings. You will see a lot less pattern in these rugs than in a typical Navajo piece the same size.

Pictorials made before the 1940s are relatively uncommon and usually command a premium price from collectors. After World War II, however, more weavers began making pictorial weavings, frequently filling a small rug with a single scene. Types that have been especially popular since the 1970s include landscape scenes which usually feature red cliffs or mountains, blue sky and clouds, juniper and pine trees, hogans, farm animals, trucks, and people. Another common format is called the “Tree of Life” pattern, consisting of a corn stalk rising from a Navajo wedding basket, with birds adorning the leaves of the cornstalk.

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After being at war with white settlers as well as other Native tribes the Navajo honed a skill which allowed them to make blankets. The Navajo are very well-known for their weaving skills. PBS reported that they learned how to make wool and herd sheep in the 17th Century from Spanish immigrants. In the late 17th-century, they had learned from the Pueblo intricate weaving methods. The Navajo mastered weaving techniques and produced blankets of such high quality they could actually hold water. They could be used both as blankets as well as coats. Navajo blankets are a valued item because of their durability and versatility as well as their decorative patterns. The blankets became more expensive. The blankets were appreciated by those who had the resources, such as tribal chiefs.

8 X 11 Southwest Native American Rugs

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Once you are ready to have a Navajo rug of your own, you will want to know where to buy one. In order to receive a quality and authentic Navajo rug, you should seek out more reputable dealers. You will know you have found one when they are dedicated to answering any questions you may have. They will be direct and transparent with their answers. Also, they will have no issue providing you with a guarantee of authenticity to make sure you are getting a genuine rug.

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This type of weaving was developed in the 1950s and involvesa special technique which results in a three dimensional effect, making araised outline on the front side. Many of the New Lands weavers come from the Coal Mine Mesa area of the Navajo Nation. These are small, loosely woven, pictorial mats meant for the tourist trade and woven in Gallup, New Mexico. They were small, inexpensive and easy to transport, making them popular souvenirs for visits to the Navajo Nation. Gentle scrubbing continues. Note the wringer in the background-the next step in the washing process after rinsing.

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These Native American blankets were extremely valuable and expensive. They were often worn only by Native American Chiefs. These blankets were also highly prized by native and Spanish traders.These blankets are rare, with only a handful remaining today. It was lot #1062 at John Moran’s auction and was expected sell for $100,000-$200,000. It sold for a lot more than that. I hope the person who bought it doesn't have any childhood fantasies and keeps it in a light-controlled glass case.The best way to tell the story of Native American history is through their art, and not in books. Textiles are some of the most important pieces of cultural heritage. This blanket from the Navajo chief tells the story of the Native American community's spirituality, struggle for survival and their struggles.

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