large native american area rugs

native american indian rugs crystal pattern

The Yeibichai rug is a depiction of ceremonies in which human dancers (usually 6) impersonate Yeis (the holy people). These dancers will usually be in profile with one leg bent as if dancing. They can be men or the men alternate with women. In these rugs, you may find a medicine man administering to a patient. Other figures may also be included such as a clown and a lead dancer. The Yeibechais are specifically participants of a particular Navajo healing ceremony. Although it is usually a nighttime ceremony, the rug usually does not portray a night scene.

Nevertheless, the great variety of interpretations suggests that meanings were assigned by traders and collectors, not by the Navajo themselves. The storm pattern’s precise origin is uncertain-one story suggests it was developed by a trader on the western side of the Reservation-but the weavers at Crystal developed this concept into one of the most popular and lasting of all Navajo rug patterns. Not far from Crystal was the Two Grey Hills trading post, known for weavings in which no dyes were used. Instead, weavers carefully combed and spun different natural colors of yarn to yield a beautiful range of creamy whites, tans, browns, and greys. (To get a solid black color, weavers sometimes would overdye dark brown wool with black dye.)

hand woven native american rugs

This video is by Medicine Man Gallery CEO Dr. J. Mark Sublette will demonstrate how professional art dealers buy and value authentic Navajo rugs. You should see this video, whether you are just starting your collection or have been collecting for years. The Navajo Chief's blanket may be the most loved of all Navajo blanket designs. Native American art expert Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains what authentic Navajo Chiefs blankets look like. Navajo textile expert, Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains the process of dating Navajo blankets. This video provides an overview of the characteristics and what to look for in authentic Navajo blankets of different ages.

large native american area rugs
native american rugs in kalispell

native american rugs in kalispell

The Navajo are one of the largest recognized Native American tribes within the United States. Around 500 years ago, they made their home the American Southwest. There, they developed a vibrant culture, complete with its own language, belief system, and lifestyle. One of their most significant impressions on modern society has been their rugs. Weaving has always been a major part of the Navajo culture. While it is not entirely known where they learned to weave, they ended up becoming the most skilled out of all the Native Amerian tribes. The vivid geometric patterns on highly-durable fabrics were renown throughout the Southwest.

native american rugs appraisal

When trying to determine the authenticity of a Navajo rug, one of the first things you should check is the warp. Warp strings run vertically and make up the foundation of the rug. Navajo rugs are made on a continuous loom that contains the actual warp threads. You can check this visually and by running your hand along the side of the rug to feel whether the warp threads run the length of the rug or whether they’ve been cut. However, in Mexican-made copies, the cut warp threads are hidden, making it more difficult to detect.

native american rugs appraisal
where to buy native american indian rugs
where to buy native american indian rugs

Early blankets dating back to the mid-1800s have been the most rare, with only 50 examples known. Collectors love the rarity and value of Navajo blankets. Many of them consider a fine Navajo cloth to be the foundation of their collection. This combination of rarity, collector enthusiasm and high prices is evident in these textiles. Navajo blankets rival modern art in terms visual appeal. Navajo blankets offer a study in balance, composition and contrast, whether they are simple, bold stripes as in early blanket examples or more complex, "eyeazzler" geometric patterns that were created when synthetic dyes became readily available.

native american textiles for sale

There is one exception to the additional indicators of price, material and fringe. Gallup throws, which are woven in the Gallup, New Mexico area, are small textiles measuring about 18 by 24 inches. Gallup throws are made with a cotton warp, and the weaving is cut off and knotted, creating a fringe on one side only. Typical prices for these textiles range from $40 to $50, as of publication. The only other authentic Navajo rugs that feature fringe are Germantown rugs. These rare antique rugs have fringe that was added on after the weaving process was completed.

native american textiles for sale

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.