how to identify native american rugs

vintage native american rugs with one figure

Among the many styles of Native American rugs, Navajo rugs are especially beautiful. They have been around for more than 500 years and are considered one of a kind. Prices for these pieces range anywhere from $500 to tens of thousands of dollars. If you are looking for an authentic Navajo rug, you should shop on Chairish. These rugs were created by Navajo weavers.

Whether you're looking for a rug to decorate your home or want to know the true value of a Navajo rug. Appraisers have a lot of experience and can determine the true value of a Navajo rugs from start to finish. A professional retailer, a museum or an online seller are all options for Navajo rugs. A certificate of authenticity is included in professional appraisals, which are more attractive to potential buyers. The state conventions are attended by certified appraisers.

native american rugs history

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.

rugs native american design

rugs native american design

They knew everything about eye-catching and beautiful design. Many of them even added their personal touch to the rug's overall design. Sometimes, a symbol is all that's needed to add personal flair. You'll see lightning bolts or sun rays, crosses and triangles among other shapes and designs. These all have a meaning. This tells us what the weaver was thinking when they started weaving the rug. It is what makes these rugs unique.

rug southwest style
rug southwest style

The Navajo Chief’s blanket is perhaps the most well-known of all Navajo blanket types. Native American art expert Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains all about authentic Navajo Chiefs' blankets. He also explains how to identify each blanket through each historical phase. Navajo textile expert, Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains how to date Navajo blankets. This video will give you an overview of the characteristics that are required to date authentic Navajo blankets at different ages. Some rugs with a Native American or Southwestern appearance are not made by the Navajo. Mexico has a long history of weaving, so it is easy to get lost if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Dr. J., a Navajo and Hispanic expert in textiles, shares his expertise. Mark Sublette gives some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls in determining if a weaving's authenticity is authentic Navajo blanket or rug.

chippewa native american rugs

Weaving techniques in the Rug Period have primarily been limited to the standard tapestry weave which is identical on both sides. (This term should not be confused with “tapestry rugs” from Two Grey Hills.) Nevertheless, some weavers still practice the more difficult twill weaves, including rare two-faced weavings which have a different twill pattern on each side. In the 1960s, weavers in the area of Coal Mine Mesa in Arizona popularized an unusual technique called Raised Outline in which the joints between color areas are thicker and appear to rise above the surface of the weaving. Most raised outline rugs also use the technique of alternating single weft threads of two contrasting colors. When tightly battened, they give the appearance of very thin stripes running parallel to each warp thread.

chippewa native american rugs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, please let us know within 3 days from when you placed your order.
As soon as your order ships, you will receive an email with tracking info and then following emails with shipping updates.
We accept all major credit or debit cards. You can also pay with your PayPal account.
Just send us an email with your order number and we’ll send you instructions.  We will give you a full refund within the first 60 days after your order ships out.  After that, we have to charge a 25% restocking fee. You are responsible for return shipping fees unless you are swapping for a different design or size.
Yes! We can ship anywhere in the world. Please send us an email with your address before placing an order outside of the US and Canada though. We need to partially charge you for shipping when you place your order.
All of our rugs are made to order and go through a rigorous inspection process. You can typically expect your rug to be shipped 2 weeks from when you make your purchase.
We find rug pads are not necessary to protect your flooring. However, some people choose to use rug pads to prevent their rug from sliding around.