After the Navajo returned to their homelands in 1868, the US government continued to provide commercial yarns as part of their “annuity” support for the Navajo people. In the 1870s, licensed Indian Traders began supplying weavers with factory-made yarns brightly colored with aniline (chemical) dyes. Blankets made of these colorful yarns are generically called Germantown weavings after the town in Pennsylvania where much of the yarn was produced. The Navajo returned from Bosque Redondo to a very different world; one increasingly tied to the larger Anglo-American economy and culture.

The price of a Navajo rug is determined by several factors, including the fineness of the yarn, the design, and its size. Traditionally, Navajo rugs were woven on the same simple loom for over 300 years. Their intricate, balanced designs are testimony to the weaver’s skill. Though reproductions are often made in Mexico, they are still recognizable as Navajo rugs. Navajo rug ID begins with the ability to recognize some basic regional characteristics. It is important to remember, however, that every rug, like it's weaver, is an individual.

native american rugs and wall hangings

native american rugs and wall hangings

When trying to determine the authenticity of a Navajo rug, one of the first things you should check is the warp. Warp strings run vertically and make up the foundation of the rug. Navajo rugs are made on a continuous loom that contains the actual warp threads. You can check this visually and by running your hand along the side of the rug to feel whether the warp threads run the length of the rug or whether they’ve been cut. However, in Mexican-made copies, the cut warp threads are hidden, making it more difficult to detect.

What Native American Clan Wove Rugs with Birds

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It goes without saying, the ones with an intricate design are more difficult to weave. The story is the same for the tightness of the weaving.

vintage native american wool rugs
native american rugs black with red
native american rugs black with red

Four colors were chosen by the Navajo weavers to represent their culture and spirituality on their rugs. These colors are white, yellow, and black. These colors were used as symbols to represent their tribe through the rugs. A genuine Navajo rug is more expensive than a thousand dollars. If you're an art lover who wants to decorate your home with unique rugs, you can still invest in them. These rugs are great for modern interiors and have a high level of durability that will last many years. The Navajo rugs have undoubtedly been one of the most beautiful rugs you'll ever see. Although there were some modifications in the design and weaving techniques of these rugs they still retain their authenticity and quality.

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There will usually be 3bands of wavy lines or a solid color between one or two more complex bands,which are patterned with motifs such as squash blossoms, arrows, stars,crosses, triangles, etc. Muted earthen colors such as rust, grey, and rich brown, aswell as pastel greens, pinks, or yellow are common. This design was said to be influenced by the serape blanketsworn in New Mexico.The design is usually a simple geometric shape such as a chevron, diamond, serrate, or triangle, etc. These are either repeated throughout the rug or as a border or evencan appear in blocks set against a solid background. The design will appearquite busy and can have a combination of colors.

southwest native american rugs for sale