Symbol Meanings on Native American Rugs

native american rugs antique

These rugs are so special because of the history they hold. This is why they cost so much more. We have already spoken a bit more about the history behind these rugs. This isn't the only reason why they are more expensive than others. There are many other reasons. Authentic Navajo rugs woven by hand on a Navajo Loom. There are three standard sizes: 5x8, 6x6 and 9x9. You can see that most rugs are woven in a rectangular shape if you take a look at the common sizes. This configuration can make it difficult to weave larger sizes.

They also were known for very finely spun wool of small diameter which they used to make very thin, dense, and tightly woven rugs that are certainly the greatest technical achievements in the history of Navajo rug making. Many of the women who weave for nearby Taodlena Trading Post carry on this tradition of quality. The most finely woven rugs are often called tapestry rugs. Beginning in the 1920s, weavers and traders developed several new regional styles based on a revival of early banded patterns and the predominant use of vegetal dyes. The impetus behind this trend came primarily from Anglo collectors, traders, and government agencies that had a sincere desire to upgrade the quality of Navajo weaving and return to traditional, pre-rug patterns.

5 x 7 native american rugs with rubber backing

The Chinle style originated in the town of Chinle but is now woven everywhere in theNavajo nation. Because of its simplicity, it takes less time to weave and istherefore one of the most commonly woven rugs. The Wide Ruins style is the most elaborate and usually themost finely woven of the banded rug styles. It evolved from the Chinle. These rugs will have broad strips of plain color, some with geometric designs and with verynarrow bands with delicate motifs, combined with thin, straight lines ofcontrasting colors. The shapes found within the broader bands are oftenoutlined with a different color.

buy native american rugs

buy native american rugs

The Wide Ruins style is the most elaborate and usually themost finely woven of the banded rug styles. It evolved from the Chinle. These rugs will have broad strips of plain color, some with geometric designs and with verynarrow bands with delicate motifs, combined with thin, straight lines ofcontrasting colors. The shapes found within the broader bands are oftenoutlined with a different color. The main colors are browns, olives, maroons, and mustardsaccented with a color such as white, red, or black.

images of red and orange bohemian living rooms with native american rugs

To aid in Navajo rug ID, there are certain ones that can be identified by their distinctive colors, others by the bands of color and the designs within those bands, and certain others by their distinctive designs. The Ganadoand Klagetoh tend to have simpler designs than the similar Two Grey Hills, and Burntwater rugs. Ganado rugs always have a red background. The distinctivered color is often called a ‘Ganado Red.’ The design, based on a centraldiamond or two, will be in black, white, and grey in the center of the field.

Symbol Meanings on Native American Rugs
images of red and orange bohemian living rooms with native american rugs
discount southwestern rug
discount southwestern rug

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.

native american woven rugs

In the early 1800s Navajo's tribal women began to weave chiefs' blankets. These blankets were often traded, so Indians all over the world wore them from the northern Great Plains of the United States to the Mexican border. Although blankets weren't considered to be a symbol, they were a sign of chieftainship. They were nevertheless a symbol affluence, power and luxury. They have a lot of history that makes them so important. It is the primary reason they are expensive.We have already covered some of the history associated with these rugs.

native american woven rugs