Native American Rugs. Tucson,az

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J.Sublette, Navajo textile authority, explains why Navajo blankets are so valuable. Mark Sublette explains how Navajo blankets can be so valuable. The three main factors that make Navajo blankets so valuable are scarcity and rarity. Navajo blankets were an older form of Navajo weavings. They were produced between 1840-1890. These textiles could be wrapped around your body and worn, and were soft and drapable. While saddle blankets are more collectible than a wearing blanket, they are not as expensive. Even at peak production, Navajo weavings weren't easy to find. A blanket can take up to one year to weave, not counting the time required to raise the sheep and make the wool.

Contemporary Navajo rugs, again depending on size, can range from UNDER $500 up to many thousands. The number of Navajo weavers working today is dwindling. Many of the young weavers are not learning this sacred Navajo weaving tradition, as it is a very time consuming and disciplined art form. When considering whether to purchase a Navajo Rug or not, know this is a way to encourage young Navajos to learn to weave and keep the traditional Navajo Rug weaving alive.

Native American Rugs. Tucson,az
8 x 11 southwest native american rugs

8 x 11 southwest native american rugs

The Navajo masterfully mastered the art of weaving, creating blankets that could hold water. They could be used as blankets or coats, and were available in a wide range of colors and designs. Navajo blankets have become a valuable item due to their durability, versatility and decorative patterns. The blankets became expensive over time. The blankets were valued by those with the means, like tribal chiefs, and they were worn often for ceremonial purposes, according to PBS. The Navajo began to develop their blanket-weaving techniques as they improved and honed their skills. The Traditional Fine Arts Organization says that blankets evolved with new styles, colors, and more intricate designs. This took time and dedication. Their product range grew quickly from blankets and wraps, to rugs. The demand for both grew. This was driven by traders, which also influenced regional designs. The Navajo began to include their gods and spiritual characters in their woven creations .A Navajo blanket was $100-$150 in the 19th century -- this was during a time when men earned about $5 per week. Today, Navajo blankets and rugs can be purchased for as low as $500 or as high up to several thousand dollars. Prices vary depending on the size of the rug, its age, tightness, and complexity of the design.

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The design of this style of Navajo rug usually portrays a cornstalk or a tree growing out of a basket. There will be brightly colored birds, some recognizable such as Cardinals or Woodpeckers. Some will be flying, others perched or sitting around the basket. Often, butterflies, small animals such as rabbits and squirrels, as well as bright flowers and vines will be present. 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.

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area rugs southwestern
area rugs southwestern

Authentic Navajo rugs are made by hand, often over a period of several years, and are usually made of quality sheep wool. They can cost thousands of dollars and are meant to be heirlooms for generations to come. Authentic Navajo rugs have unique designs, such as the Teec Nos Pas rugs from northeastern Arizona. This uniqueness makes each piece more beautiful and adds to the price tag.

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Nevertheless, some weavers still practice the more difficult twill weaves, including rare two-faced weavings which have a different twill pattern on each side. In the 1960s, weavers in the area of Coal Mine Mesa in Arizona popularized an unusual technique called Raised Outline in which the joints between color areas are thicker and appear to rise above the surface of the weaving. Most raised outline rugs also use the technique of alternating single weft threads of two contrasting colors. When tightly battened, they give the appearance of very thin stripes running parallel to each warp thread. As with any collecting specialty, there is so much to learn about Navajo weaving that it can seem overwhelming for the beginner.

native american rugs mid century people