Vintage Style Native American Rugs

native american 35x24 handwoven rugs

The most common types of Yei and Yeibechai rugs feature multiple figures oriented parallel with the weft threads so that the rug appears wider than long when the figures are upright. Two distinct styles emerged in the 1920s. Those made in the area of Shiprock, New Mexico tend to have light colored backgrounds with no border, and often use brightly colored commercial yarns. Yeis and Yeibechais made in the central part of the reservation (northeastern Arizona) tend to have dark backgrounds with simple borders. They are more likely to incorporate natural wool colors and more subdued chemical shades. Yeis continue to be very popular with collectors and are now being made in nearly all parts of the reservation.

Another way to check the authenticity of the Navajo rug is to look for lazy lines. Lazy lines appear as a diagonal line in the weave of the fabric. During the weaving process, the rug maker would move to work on adjacent sections of the warp, resulting in the subtle diagonal lines referred to as lazy lines. These lines would be almost impossible to detect by looking at a photograph of the rug online.

Vintage Style Native American Rugs

history of native american rugs

On our website, we have pricing for most Navajo rugs posted. If a price is not visible, it is either part of our exclusive Navajo Churro Collection, or is one of our more important and valuable Antique or Contemporary Navajo Rugs. We are happy to provide pricing for any these pieces. When I saw that a 19th century antique Navajo blanket was sold in an auction for – $1,800,000 – my eyebrow immediately shot upwards to my hairline. “What?!” I thought to myself – or perhaps I even spoke it aloud. “How could that sell for so much money?! ” It was an ordinary blanket, hardly more elegant or interesting than the most mundane Moroccan here in our gallery.

south west rugs

south west rugs

In the early 1800s, Navajo women began weaving chief's blankets. They were so widely traded that Indians across the border from the northern Great Plains to Mexico wore them. These blankets were not used as a badge to show chieftainship but they did symbolise power and wealth. The value of a Navajo rugs will depend on several factors such as its size, age, weave quality, style, dyes used, and condition. Navajo rugs range in price from $100 for a small one to several thousand dollars if you want a more substantial one. Pendleton Woolen Mills in Pendleton (Oregon) is the last pioneer mill to produce those blankets. They also sell to non Indians, but half their annual production is sent to Indians, Navajos included. Navajo rugs range in price from $100 for a small one to several thousand dollars for a big and old one.The young lady seated beside Jane Hyden, master weaver, is wearing a Navajo biil (pronounced beel), and is also called a rug dress.

modern native american area rugs

They are more likely to incorporate natural wool colors and more subdued chemical shades. Yeis continue to be very popular with collectors and are now being made in nearly all parts of the reservation. 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.

modern native american area rugs
symbol meanings on native american rugs
symbol meanings on native american rugs

The Burntwater rugs display a combination of earth tones andpastels. Colors such as brown, sienna,mustard, and rust are accented with pale colors such as rose, green, blue,white, and lilac. The designs can use geometric spirals, head-to-head triangles, stepped diagonals,and multiple borders. The Burntwater style is newer and is basically an expansionof the traditional TwoGrey Hillsdesigns by weavers in the Wide Ruins/Burntwater area south of Gando.

south western rug

They knew the importance of beautiful, eye-catching design. They often added their personal touches to the overall rug design. Sometimes the personal touch can take the form of a symbol. Typically, lightning bolts are seen along with sun rays. All these symbols have a significance, which indicates what the weaver was thinking at the time they began to weave the rug. It is one of the special things about these rugs. Navajo rugs tend to be more expensive than other rugs. The Navajo rugs cost more because of their outstanding craftsmanship and history. It will not be easy to compare a Navajo Navajo rugs with something made in a modern factory. If you are considering a Navajo rugs you should know that it is a work of art with a rich past and is of exceptional quality.

south western rug