Simple geometric embellishments can be found on the edges and serrated or stair-steppeddiamonds, crosses, zigzags, and simple geometric shapes can be found in thecorners outside the central design. There is usually a dark outside border.These rugs can be quite large. The origin for the Ganado rug is the town of Gando, Arizona which is in thegeographic center of the Navajo Reservation where the famous Hubbell TradingPost stands today. Klagetoh rugs are similar to Ganado rugs. The background,however, is grey. The center design is usually an elongated diamond with black,white, and red colors.
The Navajo Churro Collection Rugs are contemporary Navajo rugs that we commission from the best Navajo Master Weavers working today. The native Churro sheep wool, the hand dying process and the dyes themselves (natural and aniline) add value to the weaving. Also, each weaving is accompanied by provenance – a Churro Certificate with a photo of the weaver and detailed information about the Navajo rug. You can read more in depth information about The Navajo Churro Collection here.
This article features Dr. J. Mark Sublette will discuss Navajo rugs as they were in 1920s to present. This article includes information about history, dyes, regional styles and trading posts like Navajo Crystals Wide Ruins Burntwater and pictorials. This article discusses the exemplary authentic Navajo Blankets included in Masterpieces from the Loom, an exhibition held at Medicine Man Gallery in 2011. The following topics are covered: Navajo Chiefs blankets. Transitional blankets. Germantown pictorials. And other early Navajo styles of blanket.
Rugs made in the Navajo style are named for what region they originate from, or what influenced them. The following are the Navajo rug designs you will come across: These rugs do not have a border on them. They feature horizontal bands and are made using natural vegetable dyes. The stripes also usually include added design elements, including arrows, stars, triangles, and diamonds.
Any handmade imitation Navajo rug made in the United States would probably be woven with the firm intentions of deceiving the buyer. There would hardly be any other reason for a American non-Indian to put in the time and effort required to weave a convincing fake. Because of the economics and the work required, there are very few US made fake Navajo rugs.
There is a company that has a line of more convincing fakes made in India. They sell these rugs as "inspired by Navajo rug weaving traditions" and are an attempt "to reproduce the exact feel, texture, weave and look of the Navajo hand-woven rug." Their tag line is, "The Most Authentic Reproductions Based on the Navajo Weaving Tradition." These bogus Navajo rugs are complete with side cords, section lines and end finishes that can fool you because they are very convincing.
These rugs are distinctive and therefore more expensive than most. Other reasons are available. Authentic Navajo rugs woven using a Navajo Loom are hand-woven. Standard sizes include 6x9, 4x6, 5x8 and 4x6. The common sizes can be seen in the following table. Larger sizes can take up to a year to weave.