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. The centers of these rugs are quite elaborate withfeathers, arrows, and claw-like hooks extending from the points of diamonds andtriangles. Zigzags will be everywhere. There are really no color rules, except they should harmonize.This design also contains a lot of diagonal lines. The name of the rug comes from a settlement in the NE cornerof the Navajo nation and means ‘Cottonwoods in a Circle.’ This is a very interestingrug and has some distinguishable design features. In the center of the rug willbe a rectangle that represents the center of the universe.
During this difficult time, several traders realized that there could be an external market for Navajo weavings made as rugs rather than blankets. The nascent market for Indian rugs was fueled at the turn of the century by a growing national interest in Native peoples and artifacts. Well-heeled tourists to the Southwest wanted unique souvenirs of the exotic places and peoples they visited, and rugs could easily be incorporated into the highly eclectic and overstuffed interiors of the period.
First Phase blankets were made from about 1800 to 1850 and consisted simply of brown (or blue) and white stripes with the top, bottom and center stripes usually being wider than the others. Second Phase blankets included small red rectangles at the center and ends of the darker stripes and were made about 1840 to 1870. The Third Phase type, between 1860 and 1880, saw the addition of stepped or serrated diamonds of color to the center and ends of the wide stripes. In weavings of the Fourth Phase, made from 1870 through the early 1900s, diamond motifs became larger and more elaborate, often overtaking the stripes as primary design elements. Revivals of chief’s blankets-usually made as rugs-have been popular since the 1950s.
There will usually be 3 bands of wavy lines or a solid color between one or two more complex bands,which are patterned with motifs such as squash blossoms, arrows, stars,crosses, triangles, etc. Muted earthen colors such as rust, grey, and rich brown, aswell as pastel greens, pinks, or yellow are common. This design was said to be influenced by the serape blanketsworn in New Mexico.The design is usually a simple geometric shape such as a chevron, diamond,serrate, or triangle, etc. These are either repeated throughout the rug or as a border or evencan appear in blocks set against a solid background. The design will appearquite busy and can have a combination of colors. 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.
You may be wondering about where to buy Navajo Rugs. These rugs have a long history and are extremely popular. You will find the ideal one for your home, while supporting the Navajo tribe. They are rare and highly sought after, having been around for over 500 year. You will be able to bring authentic Navajo culture in your home whether you are buying one for yourself or for your art collection. Although the idea of buying a Navajo rugs may seem intimidating, it's actually very easy. Many online retailers feature Navajo rugs in online galleries. If you wish to see them in real life, you will need to visit a Navajo-based store. To visit Navajo homes you will need a reservation.
On that note, the factors that are true for the natural dyes of the Navajo rugs are true for the material.
Anyone who is interested collecting authentic Navajo rugs and blankets should watch this video. Dr. J. Mark Sublette shares the pitfalls and condenses 25 years of experience in one video tutorial. This video was created by Dr. J., CEO of Medicine Man Gallery. Mark Sublette will show you how professional art dealers can value and purchase authentic Navajo rugs. This video is essential, regardless of whether you're just starting to collect rugs or have been collecting them for many years.