how Do I Identify Native American Rugs

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The weaving's value is increased by the use of native Churro sheep wool and hand dying. Every weaving comes with a Churro Certificate, which includes a photograph of the weaver and details about the Navajo rugs. Find out more about the Navajo Churro Collection. There are 28 types of Navajo Rugs. Some Styles are harder to weave than other. Value is affected by the quality and precision of the weave. The more intricate and finer the weave is, the greater the value of the piece. The value of a Navajo Rug will depend on its condition. Consider the condition (is it damaged, clean, straight, or color-run, etc.). Compare the appeal of the weaving to your needs and make a decision. There are times when issues can be fixed – but that is another blog on Care & Repair. Pricing for all Navajo rugs is available on our website. If a price does not appear, it could be either part of the Navajo Churro Collection or an important and valuable Antique or Contemporary Navajo Rug. Any of these pieces will be provided with pricing. I was shocked to see that a 19th century antique Navajo Navajo blanket had been sold at an auction for $1,800,000. "What?!" I thought it to myself, or maybe I said it aloud. "How could this sell for that much money?" It was a plain blanket, no more beautiful or interesting than the mundane Moroccans in our gallery. It looked more like the simple, similarly colored, woven baby blanket I used for years.

how Do I Identify Native American Rugs

They had multiple uses as both coats and as blankets and showcased a variety of colors and designs. As a result of their durability, versatility, and decorative patterns, Navajo blankets became an item of value. Subsequently, the blankets were pricey. Those with the means, such as tribal chiefs, valued the blankets and wore them often, including for ceremonial reasons, per PBS. As they continued to improve and hone their blanket-weaving skills, the Navajo started to evolve their techniques. It resulted in blankets with more styles and colors, and more elaborate designs — all of which took a dedicated amount of time, says the Traditional Fine Arts Organization. They soon grew their product output from blankets and wraps to rugs, and the demand for both continued to increase. Traders, in particular, drove this demand, and it further influenced regional designs. Eventually, the Navajo even started to feature their gods and spiritual figures in their woven creations. By the 19th century, a Navajo blanket cost around $100 to $150 — that's during a period when men made about $5 a week, according to PBS. Today, people can purchase Navajo blankets or rugs from anywhere between under $500 to several thousand dollars (via Navajo Rug).

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red native american rugs

We have posted pricing information for all Navajo rugs on our website. If a price isn't visible, it may be part of our exclusive Navajo Churro Collection or one of our most valuable and important Antique or Contemporary Navajo Rugs. These pieces can be priced by us. My eyebrows immediately rose when I saw that a 19th-century antique Navajo blanket was up for auction at $1,800,000. "What?!" "What?" I thought to my self, or maybe I spoke it aloud. "How can that blanket sell for such high prices?" It was a blanket of ordinary quality, not more interesting or elegant than any other Moroccan in our gallery. It was more like the similar-colored, simple-woven baby blanket that I insist on sleeping with for years. I nicknamed it "car seat blankey" as it spent most of its time cuddling with me on short trips to preschool or longer rides to my home in the country.

native american wool kilim rugs
native american wool kilim rugs

First, authentic Navajo rugs use a vertical loom with a continuous warp. This means that the base wool yarn is not cut at the ends. Instead, the warp thread runs from the bottom to the top of the loom, loops down to it, and loops back to the top. The Navajo rug's foundation is made by the warp yarn, while the design pattern is created by the weft yarn. Mexican looms are horizontally-oriented and have multiple warp threads. They are also fringed at the ends. You are most likely looking at a Mexican-made rug that has fringed ends. This is not a Navajo rug that uses one continuous warp. This rule is not always true. Some weavings in the Navajo "Germantown style" may have had fringe.

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There is a company that has a line of more convincing fakes made in India. They sell these rugs as "inspired by Navajo rug weaving traditions" and are an attempt "to reproduce the exact feel, texture, weave and look of the Navajo hand-woven rug." Their tag line is, "The Most Authentic Reproductions Based on the Navajo Weaving Tradition." These bogus Navajo rugs are complete with side cords, section lines and end finishes that can fool you because they are very convincing. 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.

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