Southwestern Area Rugs

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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.

Navajo textile expert, Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains how Navajo blankets can be dated. This video provides an overview about the characteristics of authentic Navajo blankets. The Navajo does not make all rugs that look Native American or Southwestern. Mexico has a long tradition weaving rugs. If you don't know where to look, it can be confusing. Dr. J., a Navajo expert and Hispanic textile specialist, gives his advice in this video. Mark Sublette provides tips on how you can avoid common pitfalls when determining if a weaving is an authentic Navajo rug/blanket.

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You will often see museums holding auctions to sell Navajo rugs for a higher price than you can imagine. It is a mystery why this happens. Why is Navajo rugs so much more expensive than all other types? There are many factors that contribute to the popularity and high price of Navajo rugs. This article will provide all you need information about Navajo rugs including their origin, weaving patterns, as well as the procedures. You will learn about the Navajo tribe if you do some research on native American history. They started their business by weaving rugs, which became known as Navajo rugs. These rugs were often associated with their beliefs, cultures, and traditions.The Navajos began weaving with just a handful of pieces. However, their unique designs grew and spread across the country.They weaved them on a hand-woven vertical loom, with hand-knotted details on the rugs. They became more popular in southwest for their unique weaving characteristics. Because of their authenticity and design, these rugs were loved by tourists. Tourists loved these rugs because of their representation of the Navajo cultural heritage. The Navajo was a highly skilled tribe in the ancient Americas when the rugs were first exported internationally. These rugs were recognized as pieces of Native American art in the 20th Century when they started to spread abroad.

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It is not surprising that the intricate designs take more effort to weave. The story is similar for the tightness in the weaving. Understanding the source of the Navajo rugs can help you to understand the reason why the rugs cost so much more. What is the Navajo rug made from? Weavers used to use three-ply yarn in the mid-19th century. This was called Saxony. Saxony is a name that denotes high-quality and silky years naturally dyed. Natural dyes are much better than artificial.

Southwestern Area Rugs

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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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These rugs are very rare and thus very valuable and are producedin the Two Grey Hillsand Shiprock areas. Yeis (yays) are the Holy People (supernatural) who cancommunicate between the Navajo people and their gods. They are usually shown face-frontand are tall, slender figures carrying rattles, cornstalks, etc. There are someelements of some sandpaintings but these rugs are not used in ceremonies. Any combination and amount of colors may be used. They can be commerciallyor vegetal dyed and contain different numbers of Yei figures. Sometimes thesefigures are surrounded by the guardian rainbow Yei symbol.

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If fringe is found at the ends of the rug that extends from the warps, it is probably not a genuine Navajo rug. Wool, the most common material used to make Navajo rugs, is used. There are a few authentic Navajo rugs that are made from synthetic materials like acrylic. One could look at it as a Navajo woman making her own knockoff if they come across one. It doesn't really matter if it is real or fake in such cases. Although imitations may use wool, there are also poor imitations made in Mexico using polyester. Fake Indian or Pakistani fakes may use a mix of wool, polyester or acrylic. According to another author, it is not necessary to smell the rug in order to determine whether or not it is wool. Contemporary Navajo rugs are made from wool that has little lanolin, and it doesn't smell. Older rugs might have had other odors or been cleaned. It's funny to see potential buyers go through the store's inventory and smell the rugs. Buyers should be able to tell the difference between wool and other materials. There are many scientific methods to test for wool but they are not always practical when buying a rug in a shop or Indian arts dealer.

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