Native American Rugs Paiute Design

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There are really no color rules, except they should harmonize.This design also contains a lot of diagonal lines. The name of the rug comes from a settlement in the NE cornerof the Navajo nation and means ‘Cottonwoods in a Circle.’ This is a very interestingrug and has some distinguishable design features. In the center of the rug willbe a rectangle that represents the center of the universe. The 4 rectangles,one in each corner of the rug, represent the homes of the four winds or thefour sacred mountains of the Navajo world. Zigzag lightning lines connect thesecorners with the center.

There is one exception to the additional indicators of price, material and fringe. Gallup throws, which are woven in the Gallup, New Mexico area, are small textiles measuring about 18 by 24 inches. Gallup throws are made with a cotton warp, and the weaving is cut off and knotted, creating a fringe on one side only. Typical prices for these textiles range from $40 to $50, as of publication. The only other authentic Navajo rugs that feature fringe are Germantown rugs. These rare antique rugs have fringe that was added on after the weaving process was completed.

Native American Rugs Paiute Design

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Mexican looms have multiple pieces of warp that are fringed at their ends. They are horizontally oriented. If fringed ends are seen, it's likely you're looking at a Mexican-made rug. They have individual warp strings, as opposed to a Navajo Navajo rug with one continuous warp. This rule does not always work. Some early Navajo "Germantown” weavings may have contained fringe.

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southwest native american rugs for sale

Zapotec and other Mexican knock-offs often have wide end borders and end cords that are added after the rug is woven. The warp ends will be buried along side the adjacent cut warp ends as described previously. It should be noted that many knock-offs, regardless of origin, use designs taken directly from photos in books. The Zapotec are the #1 makers of counterfeit Navajo rugs. In Teotitlan de Valle (Zapotec rugs) much of their entire industry is devoted to making fakes and knock-offs. They make the hightest number and most convincing fakes.

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It is easy and foolproof to find a fake Navajo Rug by inspecting the ends. You will be able to tell if warps were tucked in or if it is continuous. If they are tucked into, then each warp area will be covered with two threads. It is highly unlikely that the rug is real if there is a bundle at each edge of the rug. Rarely will Navajo rugs include such bundles. Only two to three warps would be included in the bundle. A single warp would be next to it. Most Navajo rugs are made with side cords, as I have already mentioned. Almost all Navajo rugs don't have warp fringe at the ends.

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According to Navajo weaving practices, Navajo wearing blankets lasted only about 50 years. The end came with the advancements in mechanical weaving technology. As a result, blankets that were affordable and made by Pendleton Woolen Mills became more widely available.

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Continuous warp, lazy lines and selvage lines are three of the best ways to help identify an authentic Navajo rug. The price of the rug should also be considered. Be wary of Navajo rugs priced at $200 or less, as this can be a clear indicator of a fake. Almost all Navajo rugs are made from wool threads, which appear rougher in texture than cotton or linen. Fringe and ridges along the edge of the rug typically indicate a fake. Warp threads that have been cut and run back into the rug will create ridges on the ends. Almost all Navajo rugs are made without fringe.

native american rugs and wall hangings