how Expensive Can Native American Rugs Get

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Important factors that impact an authentic Navajo rug's price are the fineness of the yarn and weave, the size, and the design. Navajo rugs are woven on the same kind of simple loom that has been in use by the Navajo for 300 years - so complex, balanced designs are a true testament to the weaver’s skill and artistry. A common issue for new collectors is determining if a Navajo rug is authentic. Knowing what to look for is especially crucial because weavings from Mexico can resemble Navajo rugs and can confuse a novice. Beware, especially, a weaving described as “Navajo style.” This term lets you know that you are looking at a Mexican reproduction and not an authentic Navajo rug.

A watershed in Navajo weaving came in the 1860s with the incarceration of about 8000 men, women and children at Bosque Redondo reservation in eastern New Mexico. In an effort to subdue and “domesticate” the Indians, the US Army slaughtered the Navajo’s sheep and destroyed their crops and homes. The government allowed weaving to continue during the internment by replacing the Navajo’s home-grown wool with factory-made yarns from Europe and the eastern United States.

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If the rug has fringe at both ends that are extensions of the warps, then it is not a genuine Navajo rug. Wool is the standard material used in the making of a Navajo rug. There are a few genuine Navajo rugs made using synthetic materials such as acrylic. If encountering one, it could be looked at as the result of a Navajo woman weaving her own cheap knock-off. In such case, it probably doesn't matter is it is real or not.

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The Navajo Chief’s blanket is perhaps the most well-known of all Navajo blanket types. Native American art expert Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains all about authentic Navajo Chiefs' blankets. He also explains how to identify each blanket through each historical phase. Navajo textile expert, Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains how to date Navajo blankets. This video will give you an overview of the characteristics that are required to date authentic Navajo blankets at different ages. Some rugs with a Native American or Southwestern appearance are not made by the Navajo. Mexico has a long history of weaving, so it is easy to get lost if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Dr. J., a Navajo and Hispanic expert in textiles, shares his expertise. Mark Sublette gives some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls in determining if a weaving's authenticity is authentic Navajo blanket or rug.

how Expensive Can Native American Rugs Get

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To achieve a perfect base, weavers weave layers of designs on top of the threads. These rugs can be identified by their distinct patterns of black and/or white stripes. The Navajo rugs' wool and fabric are easily distinguished from other types. For the rugs, the Navajos hand-spun high-quality wool from their sheep. They also used Saxony, a special yarn that was silky and naturally tinted. These rugs had all-natural components which made them high-quality Navajo rugs. Additionally, these rugs are expensive because it is difficult to spin the wools. This was due to the hard work and effort of the weaver. The Navajo rugs were distinguished and unique by their unique designs. These rugs are distinguished by their unique geometric patterns, which make them stand out from other rugs. As we've already mentioned, the Navajo weavers use multiple yarns on their handlooms to make several different designs.

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where to get authentic native american rugs
where to get authentic native american rugs

What makes Navajo textiles all the more breathtaking is how simple the tools are that the weavers would use to create them. The looms are simple, usually erected out-of-doors, under a tree branch. Patterns were (and still are) plotted in the weaver’s head - to execute a harmonious design requires expert artistic ability and multidimensional thinking. In terms of artisanship, all Navajo weavings are painstaking, manual endeavors. As is common even today, the weaver’s family raised the sheep; caring for the flock was a family affair. Early Navajo weavings were usually made from special wool from the Churro sheep breed - known for its long, silky fibers. Later, as the Navajo moved into making rugs, they incorporated other sheep varieties into their flocks.

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Michelle Radcliff owned a retail home furnishings business for eight years. Radcliff offers decorating advice on her blog, Home Decorating News, is a regular contributor on interior design at LoveToKnow.com and earned certification as an interior decorator from Penn Foster College in 2013.

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