Section LinesMany Navajo rugs will have what Indian arts dealers call, "lazy lines." It is an inaccurate and insulting term that I hope will be replaced by the term, "Section Line." The section line line is a diagonal joint or break in the weave where a weaver has worked on a single section of the rug without having to reach all the way across the rug. She weaves one section, then moves over and weaves another section. This creates the diagonal section line. Not all Navajo rugs have section lines. The end borders in Mexican imitation Navajo rugs are generally much wider than in a genuine Navajo rug. Side borders are often wider as well. If the rug has fringe at both ends that are extensions of the warps, then it is not a genuine Navajo rug.
Pictorials made before the 1940s are relatively uncommon and usually command a premium price from collectors. After World War II, however, more weavers began making pictorial weavings, frequently filling a small rug with a single scene. Types that have been especially popular since the 1970s include landscape scenes which usually feature red cliffs or mountains, blue sky and clouds, juniper and pine trees, hogans, farm animals, trucks, and people. Another common format is called the “Tree of Life” pattern, consisting of a corn stalk rising from a Navajo wedding basket, with birds adorning the leaves of the cornstalk. Despite the obvious symbolism of patterns such as the “Tree of Life,” most pictorial motifs had no specific religious meaning; they simply were objects common in the culture or of special interest to the weaver.
Navajo rugs may have a side selvage line. To maintain a straight edge for their Navajo weavings, Navajo weavers frequently use a twisted version of the side selvage. While a fringe may not be as reliable as a side selvage, the presence or absence is a sign that the cord might be Navajo. Mexican weavers create straight lines in their pieces by using three to five warps or even one thick warp. If you find a rug made with outside warps which are visibly thicker than the rug, be sure to inspect the ends of the rug. You will see fringe or evidence that warp ends have been sewn back into the rug to remove the fringe.
They have overtaken the Cherokee, according to US News. The Navajo Nation is the largest Indian American tribe in America, with 16 million acres. It is located in Arizona, but includes some parts of New Mexico and Utah. For well over a century, Navajos have called the southwestern U.S. home. While at war against white settlers and Native tribes, Navajo learned a skill that enabled them to create blankets. While the Navajo are famous for many things, they are best known for their weaving skills. PBS reports that the group acquired two skills from Spanish immigrants during the 17th-century: how to raise sheep and how wool was made. The Pueblo had taught them intricate weaving techniques by the time they reached the latter part of the 17th century. The Navajo learned the art of weaving from the Pueblo and created blankets so high quality that they could almost hold water. They were versatile and could be used for both blankets and coats.
It is easy to see why the Navajo rugs are more expensive by understanding their origins. What are Navajo rugs made of? In the middle of the 19th century, weavers relied on three-ply yarn (also known as Saxony). Saxony is a term that refers to silky, high-quality, naturally dyed years. Natural dyes are far superior to artificial when it comes down to it. Natural dyes are more durable, vibrancy is higher and they don't fade as easily. Navajo rugs are more durable than other rugs.
Navajo saddle blankets are an unusual form of Navajo weaving. In this article Medicine Man Gallery owner, Dr. J. Mark Sublette, discusses these marvelous Navajo blankets that appeared in an exhibit at the gallery in 2009. Topics include style, form, and appeal to collectors. Whether you’re looking to buy a rug for your home or are just curious about the value of a Navajo rug, you can learn about the importance of a professional appraisal. Appraisers have many customers, and they have the experience to determine the value of a Navajo rug, from beginning to end. There are three main options when it comes to selling a Navajo rug: a professional retailer, a museum, or online through sites like eBay. Professional appraisals include a certificate of authenticity, and they are more appealing to potential buyers. Certified appraisers attend state conventions and have a large network of customers.
After shearing sheep, the wool must be cleaned and carded before being spun by hand. Even today, Navajo spinners don't use spinning wheels. The wool is stretched out and twisted by hand onto a spindle. The blanket is then woven using the unique Navajo loom. A Navajo rug made from authentic wool is a laborious task for the weaver. A weaver must also raise sheep, which many still do. The wool must then be shorn, cleaned and carded. It can take up to a year to weave a large rug. Keep in mind that weaving Navajo rugs takes a lot of time. Boys and girls often learn the basics of weaving as children. They then progress in difficulty.