Decoorating with Vintage Native American Rugs

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Apart from guides about specific rug problems, we also put out discussions regarding different rugs. These discussions will enable you to get a better idea about the rugs & carpets in your home. The Navajo Nation is one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S. As of the most recent census, they currently top the numbers as the biggest tribe by population, unseating the Cherokee, per US News. Members of the group mostly live on the largest reservation in the country — about 16 million acres, which sits mostly in Arizona but also covers parts of New Mexico and Utah, according to the Indian Health Service. The Navajo have called the southwestern U.S. home for well over a century. Once at war with white settlers and other Native tribes, the Navajo honed a skill that helped them produce one of their most valuable creations: blankets. The Navajo are known for a lot of things, but their weaving skills are widely recognized. During the 17th century, the group picked up two skills from the Spanish — learning how to herd sheep and how to make wool, according to PBS. By the late 17th century they'd learned intricate weaving methods from the Pueblo. With the latter skill, the Navajo perfected the art of weaving and made such high-quality blankets that they could practically hold water.

It has remained with the family until its recent sale. Native American blankets date back to the "First Phase of Navajo weaving." Using techniques derived form the Puebla to create tightly-woven blankets, the Navajos fashioned them from the finest wool. These Native American blankets are highly prized and very costly. Native American Chiefs often wore them exclusively. They were also treasured by Native traders and Spanish. Only a few hundred blankets exist today, despite the exceptional quality. This blanket was Lot #1062 at John Moran’s Auction and was expected for $100,000 to $200,000. It sold for a lot more than that. Native American history can best be told in art and not in schoolbooks. Textiles are a great way to reveal this cultural heritage.

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Any handmade imitation Navajo rug made in the United States would probably be woven with the firm intentions of deceiving the buyer. There would hardly be any other reason for a American non-Indian to put in the time and effort required to weave a convincing fake. Because of the economics and the work required, there are very few US made fake Navajo rugs.

native american flat woven rugs

native american flat woven rugs

Juan Lorenzo Hubbell was, by most accounts, the leading trader of the early period in rug-making, and owned several trading posts around the Reservation. Hubbell’s home and base of operation were at Ganado, Arizona about 50 miles south of Canyon de Chelly. His tastes ran to Classic Period weavings and many of the early rugs made by Ganado area weavers were close enough in appearance to classic mantas and serapes to have earned the generic name, Hubbell Revival rugs. Hubbell guided his weavers by displaying paintings of rug patterns he favored. Many of these paintings can still be seen at the original trading post, now preserved and operated as a National Historic Site.

southwestern style rug

There are also distinctive features of Zapotec rugs, such as the fringe on the bottom of the rug. Although similar in style to Navajo rugs, Zapotec rugs are difficult to recognize due to their overlapping patterns and colors. They also have less pattern than a typical Navajo piece of the same size. A few things to look for in a Navajo rug can help you differentiate between the two.

southwestern style rug
native american rugs new england
native american rugs new england

Continuous warp, lazy lines and selvage lines are three of the best ways to help identify an authentic Navajo rug. The price of the rug should also be considered. Be wary of Navajo rugs priced at $200 or less, as this can be a clear indicator of a fake. Almost all Navajo rugs are made from wool threads, which appear rougher in texture than cotton or linen. Fringe and ridges along the edge of the rug typically indicate a fake. Warp threads that have been cut and run back into the rug will create ridges on the ends. Almost all Navajo rugs are made without fringe.

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These blankets were highly prized trade items for tribes that didn't have their own weaving traditions. Even back then, Navajo blankets weren't affordable, so it was difficult for tribe members to afford one. Plains cultures valued Navajo blankets, especially for their warmth and comfort. One way to identify a man riding on horseback wearing one these weavings is by the design of his blanket, before his features become visible. The Navajo tradition of weaving blankets was that they were worn by Navajo for approximately 50 years. The advent of mechanical weaving technologies and the availability of affordable blankets, such as those manufactured by Pendleton Woolen Mills, marked the end to the era.

Decoorating with Vintage Native American Rugs
native american rugs home depot