Seattle Native American Tribes that Weave Rugs

indian pattern rug

It should be noted, however, that many rugs produced throughout the century did not conform to a particular regional style and are now difficult to assign to a specific trading post. In recent years as weavers have become more mobile and independent of local trading posts, they often choose to weave patterns originated outside of their area. Many also combine motifs and characteristics from several different regions. As a result, the regional style names are now mostly used to identify common pattern types without necessarily referring to the exact place of origin of a specific weaving. Juan Lorenzo Hubbell was, by most accounts, the leading trader of the early period in rug-making, and owned several trading posts around the Reservation.

Our family lived in the Church Rock area in the late 1970s. My parents purchased a few rugs at a trading post close to what is now known as "Legacy Park" from a Navajo family who weaved, raised sheep, and lived in a gon. I can still remember the mutton stew and fry bread. They are not named by my mother. I would be grateful if you could help me identify them. I have five.

Seattle Native American Tribes that Weave Rugs

native american rugs 15 x 30

When Germantown wool from Pennsylvania was originally imported, it afforded the weavers a wonderful range of new colors to work with and this design wasperfect for the combining contrasting colors. This rug design looks almost Persian and perhaps least likea Navajo. It is a very busy and bold design with a wide border filled witha variety of motifs, especially a lightning path. It is a complex design andthe rugs are often large.

native american rugs appraisal

native american rugs appraisal

Navajo rugs often have a wool weave. It may be difficult to determine the type of warp used if you are not an expert in fibers. However, cotton and linen are generally smoother than wool. Wool is wooly. The picture to the right shows that it has very little fibers sticking out from the warp threads. The Gallup throw, a genuine Navajo rug, is woven with a cotton weave. Keep in mind that cotton was used extensively as warp in the latter 1800's. You can use other indicators to verify the authenticity of the piece. However, you should also consider the fiber content of warp when verifying the piece's authenticity.

native american rugs traditional patterns

Although rugs have been the predominant product of Navajo looms over past century, weavers have continued to make other types of products, if on a smaller scale. Navajo culture thoroughly embraced the horse in the late 19th century, and saddle blankets were commonly produced until the 1950s. Single Saddle Blankets were roughly 30″ square, and Double Saddle Blankets were of similar width, but about twice and long and were doubled over when in use to provide extra padding. Early saddle blankets often were woven in simple striped patterns, and double saddle blankets now are sometimes difficult to distinguish from Transitional wearing blankets. By the end of the period, saddle blankets frequently had patterns only at the corners or edges since only those parts of the blanket were visible when in use. Double saddle blankets sometimes had a different pattern on each half. Fancy Saddle Blankets, often featuring bright colors, elaborate patterns and fringes, were probably more for show than function.

native american rugs traditional patterns
native american rugs for sale 10x13
native american rugs for sale 10x13

Navajo rugs have a wool wrap. It can be difficult to know which type of wool warp was used if your knowledge isn't extensive enough. However, generally, cotton and linen are smoother than Wool. Wool is, well... wooly. As you can see in this picture, there are very few fibers that stick out beyond the warp. A cotton warp is used in one Navajo rug, the Gallup throw. Keep in mind, cotton was widely used as a warp until the late 1800s. To verify authenticity, look at other indicators. But make sure to include the fiber content of any warp in your authentication. Below is Jennie, a master weaver. It is obvious that there is no fringe and that the side selvage string contrasts well with dark wool. This rug has all of the characteristics that a genuine Navajo rug. It is 100% wool, with the warp and a side seam cord.

native american rugs 4 x 6

If you are in the market for a new rug, you may want to check its authenticity first. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act prohibits the sale of American Indian crafts that are not authentic. While a good seller will tell you how long it has been in business, you should be careful to avoid buying a counterfeit rug. This law applies to Native American rugs and blankets, as well as all other American Indian products marketed in the U.S.

native american rugs 4 x 6