Many of the women who weave for nearby Taodlena Trading Post carry on this tradition of quality. The most finely woven rugs are often called tapestry rugs. Beginning in the 1920s, weavers and traders developed several new regional styles based on a revival of early banded patterns and the predominant use of vegetal dyes. The impetus behind this trend came primarily from Anglo collectors, traders, and government agencies that had a sincere desire to upgrade the quality of Navajo weaving and return to traditional, pre-rug patterns. The resulting rugs were not literal copies of older pieces, but were creative variations on banded designs using a wide palette of newly developed vegetal dye colors made from indigenous plants, as well as new, subtly colored chemical dyes.
The best way to learn is to look at as many weavings as you can in galleries and museums, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Soon you’ll be matching the terminology to the weavings and you’ll begin to feel a surge of confidence. When you decide to buy, focus on a reputable dealer who will take time to answer all your questions simply and directly, and make sure they are willing to give you a written guarantee of authenticity. Happy collecting! Navajo rugs have been made for nearly 500 years, but they have recently made their way into homes all over the world. What makes these rugs so unique and sought after? This guide will go over the history of Navajo rugs, the vibrant designs, where to buy them, and how to care for them.
Early blankets made in the middle of the 1800s are rarer than others, with 50-plus examples currently known. Collectors treasure Navajo blankets because of their rarity. Many consider a fine Navajo Navajo scarf to be the cornerstone in their collection. These textiles sell for high prices because of their rarity as well as collector enthusiasm. Navajo blankets offer a visual appeal that rivals any modern art. Navajo blankets have a unique blend of balance, composition, contrast and bold stripes. The simple tools that the weavers used to create Navajo fabrics makes them all the more impressive. The looms were simple and could be set up outside, or under a tree branch.
Also called a serape, this blanket was made during the tribe’s internment in eastern New Mexico in 1865. Woven in rich reds, the piece is striking as much for its color as for the bordered design. Red was extremely hard to come by then, especially by the Native Americans. Their way around this was to unravel machine made rugs, and re-weave the thread into their own designs. But this design is also rare, and shows the growing intrusion of the outside world not on just the Navajo culture, but their art as well. Notice the partial borders at the blanket’s four corners. Bordered textiles were a popular theme of the time, picked up from the detailing seen on exotic Oriental rugs. Their use here suggests the weavers had seen such rugs – though most likely through photographs – and copied the style.
It is a good idea to inspect the Native American Rug for specific characteristics. Short corner ties can be used to connect the selvage and cords. The best way to guarantee the authenticity of your rug is by buying authentic products. For more information about rugs and artifacts, visit the Indian Arts and Crafts Board site. To be certain of their authenticity, authentic rugs will have the appropriate certification stamp.
The design of the Navajo rugs tells you what exemplary craftsmanship looks like. Weavers of the ancient Navajo rugs had a lot of skills in weaving rugs. They knew all about beautiful and eye-catching design. Some even incorporated their personal touch into the overall design of the rug. Sometimes, the personal touch can be a symbol. Typically, you will see lightning bolts, sun rays, crosses, triangles, and other shapes and designs.
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. After thorough rinsing, the rug is sent slowly and carefully through the wringer to take out as much of the water as possible before being hung on racks in the drying room.